THE 



Early Records of 'Groton, 



MA S SA CH USE T TS. 



1662-1707. 



EDITED P.Y 



SAMUEL A. GREEN, M.D. 



,N OF CO^/V^ 



■W4,SHV 



^^3 



GROTON 

1880. 



V/^.'- 






The paper on which this edition of the " Early Records oj 
Groton^^ — known as ^^The India?i Roll," — is printed was made in 
that town at the " Hollifigsworth Paper-Mills" situated in a part 
of the Nashua Valley which is full of Indian associations and 
traditions. 



University Press: 
John Wilson & Son, Cambridge. 



TO 



OF 



RICHARD SAWTELL, 
JAMES FISKE, 
WILLIAM LONGLEY, 
JOHN PAGE, 
RICHARD BLOOD, -^^ 
JOHN MORSE, 
JAMES PARKER, 



JONATHAN MORSE, 
JOSIAH PARKER, 
JONAS PRESCOTT, 
WILLIAM LONGLEY, Jr., 
JAMES BLANCHARD, 
THOMAS TARBELL, and 
JOSEPH LAKIN, 



^t <|irst fourteen ^abn Clerks of ^rotou, 

OF WHOM THREE DIED WHILE IN OFFICE, 

T///S COPY OF THEIR RECORDS IS INSCRIBED 

By THE EDITOR. 



INTRODUCTION. 



'' I ^HE town meeting is an outgrowth of New-England life. 
•*- It had its origin with the first settlers, and has been 
kept up by their successors. Each town was incorporated, 
and the freemen came together in public meeting to discuss 
and settle questions of general interest. They also chose 
town officers, to whom was delegated the power to manage 
their civil affairs. The proceedings at these meetings furnish 
the basis of our political history, and they give us the best 
insight of the forces that developed local self-government. 

The following records of the town of Groton are the earliest 
extant, and were probably the first made of any meeting held 
within its limits. They are copied from the only book of 
records kept during the Indian wars, and are now printed in 
accordance with a vote of the town. From the fact that the 
book was for a while preserved rolled up, it acquired the name 
of " The Indian Roll." It appears to have been lost at one 
time, but was subsequently found ; and, when first seen by 
Mr. Butler, according to his History, page 33, the wrapper 
containing it bore this inscription : — 

"The Indian Roll, 
Found at Dea. Lawrence's, Feb. 21, 1807." 

Major Samuel Lawrence was the town clerk from the year 
1796 to 1798, and this book had probably been overlooked 
when the other records were turned over to his successor. 
The cover has long since been lost ; the leaves are loose and 
much worn, and a few of them are missing. The records 
extend from the year 1662 to 1707, and contain many inter- 



INTRODUCTION. 



esting facts in regard to the town. They include the names 
of families that have been in the neighborhood through many 
generations, even to the present day. 

The pages of the record-book are not numbered, though 
there are traces of numbering in the part containing the 
Land-grants. The entries of the proceedings are made fre- 
quently out of place, and sometimes the record of one meeting 
is found scattered about, written on the blank spaces of several 
leaves. These detached fragments may be recognized from 
the date as belonging to the same meeting, and in this printed 
copy such fragments have been brought together. The paging 
of the early part of the record-book is indicated by the large 
figures enclosed within brackets. This, however, has not been 
deemed practicable later than June, 1681, on account of the 
want of chronological arrangement. 

The Land-grants are given at the end of this volume, and 
for the most part are arranged chronologically ; but in some 
instances they are not dated. In these cases, the name of 
the town clerk who recorded them is given, with his term of 
service ; and the date can be approximated near enough for 
practical purposes. In printing them, the capitalization and 
punctuation have been made to conform to modern usage, as 
it is thought that in this way the different localities might be 
more easily identified ; but the spelling remains unchanged. 

The first town clerk was Richard Sawtell, an original pro- 
prietor of Groton and the possessor of a twenty-acre right. 
He came from Watertown, where he was living as early as the 
year 1636. He wrote a good hand for his day, and held 
the office during three years. His house-lot was situated on 
the west side of James's Brook, just below the monument 
marking the birth-place of Colonel Prescott, He died Au- 
gust 21, 1694, at Watertown, where he went, doubtless in the 
spring of 1676, when Groton was burned by the Indians. 
In his will, dated May 16, 1692, he mentions his wife, Eliza- 
beth, — who died October 18, 1694, — and a large number of 
children and grandchildren. 



i 



■'^*^^:- 



c-iT <^ 























Fac-stmile of a part of the first page, slightly reduced, of the 
Early Records of Groton. 




EARLY RECORDS 



OF 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 



O>»<0 



ATT a generall towne meet[ing,] June. 23. 1662. 
It was agreed vppon that the house for the Minister should 
be set vppon the place where it is now framinge. 

Also that the meetinge house shall be sett vpon the right hand 
of the path by a small whit Oak, marked at the souwest side with 
two notches & a blaze 



At a genenerall Towne meeting December, the twenty fourth it is 
agreed that Richard Sawtell being Chosen to be the Towne Clark 
shall have six penc for Recording & giving a Transcript of every 
twenty Acars of land to the severall propriators 

Decern : 24. At a generall Towne meeting its agreed that all the 
lands that are or here after shall be granted shall be recorded with 
these expressions following, viz : To such a one or such a one &c : 
Ten or : Twenty Acars so & so bounded be it estemed more or 
lesse 

Decern. 24 Its agreed by the Towne at a generall meeting That 
the wood & Timber that is in the hie-way against any mans house 
shall be his provided that he shall not [upon] the penalty of paying 
halfe a Crown a tree falle any trees vpon the Com[mon] except it 
apeareth they have not amon[gst] these trees such tree or trees as 
will suit their necessitie provided also that when they falle they 
shall not let lie to the prejuduice of the Towne or any or any one 



EARLY RECORDS OF 



of the inhabitants by hindering the pass[age] of Carts or Horses 
&c vpon the penalty of halfe a Crowne if vpon six dayes warning 
they shall neglect (within the said tim of warning.) to cleare the 
way for full & free passage 

Liberty is granted to Timothy Allen to set his House vpon a 
knole with out side of his fenc & land is granted him there unto 
not exceeding an Acar 

Decem. 24 It is agreed that Deacon James Parker James Knop 
& John Page shall lay out acording to their discretion the Towne 
hie way & the land which any inhabitant wan[ts] of his grant 

[Dece]m 24 Deacon James Parker John Lawr[ence, Wm.] 
Martin Ric : Blood & James fifi[ske are] chosen Selectmen for this 
[year &] are to draw vp som direction [s for the] Towne a ... [1] 

W" Lakin Ralph Reed. Joh. Page & Joh Nuttin are chosen Sur- 
veyors of the hie wayes. this year, decem. 24. (6 [2.] 

At a generall Towne meeting. March 18. 1663. It was general[ly] 
agreed, as folloeth 

first. That M- Millar is by the Consent of the Towne ma[ni]- 
fested by vote to be desired if God moue his hart there unto to 
continve still with vs for our further edificat[ion.] Richard Blood 
desents from this in regard of the time of o' desiring him. w" he 
would have to be after the gen : Court. 

2'f That M' Miller shall haue a Twenty Acar lot layd out to him 
acording to the Townes grant to him 

Thomas. Tarbole. Senior vpon his request was granted by the 
Towne to haue a knole of vpland containing about an Acar towards 
the vper end of Broad Medow w' is thought advantagious to him 
for the fencing of his medow 

[Ju]ne 21 [i6]63 Its agreed by the Towne & manifested by vote 
that M": Willard if he accept of it shall be their minester as long as 
he liues w'' M' Willard accepts Except a manifest providenc of God 
apears to take him off 

These persons folloing doe desent from this former vot. Rich- 
ard. Sawtell. Samuell Woods. James Parker : John Nutting James 
ffiske 

Its agreed by the major part of the Towne that M: Willard shall 
haue their interest in the house &. lands that was devoted by the 
Towne for the minestry suckcessively. provided they may meete in 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 



the house on the lords day &. vpon other ocasions of the Towne on 
metmgs. And these persons ffollowing desent from their act 

James Parker Ric. Sawtell WilUa" Longley John nutting Tho. 
Tarbole. Jun. 

Richard Blood and John Clary att present 

James ifiske. John longly. Joh laran[ce,] Joseph laranc [2] 

\_Date torn off.'] 
... to excercise am . . . all Edification in the ways . . . glory 
& o' owne everlasting goo . . . vs And further desiring y" Lord 
to . . . what hath been herein any way off[ensive] vnto him and to 
help euery one of vs to forg[et] & forgiue what hath been any way 
offensiue [to] each other as we desire the Lord to forgiue vs 

[Sep.] ID I : It is agreed by y^ Consent of the Towne & mani- 
fested by vote that W. Willard shall haue for this year forty pounds 
and if God be pleased so to despose of his & our hearts to continue 
together after the expiration of the yeare (w[e] hope) by o' aproving 
of him & he of vs we shall we shall be willing to ad vnto his main- 
tenanc as [God] shall blesse vs. expecting allso that he shall render 
vnto our pouerty if God shall please to deny vs a blessing vpon our 
labours 

2. It is agreed & voted his yeare shall begin the first day of July 
last past 

Sep. 21 63 It is agreed by y^ Towne w* John Nuttin & voted 
that he the said John shall keepe cleane the meeting house this 
ye[ar] or cause it to be kept cleene & for his labour he is to h[ave] 
fourteen shillings 

Novem i. (63) with the consent of Anthony Pierce its granted 
by the Tow[n] that his son Daniell Pierce shall haue the one halfe 
of his said ffathers deuission of land viz. ten Acars of his H[ouse] 
lot on that side lying next Ralph Reeds & ten of . . . seurall 
percells whereof lieth in Broade medow. Halfe-moone medovv. 
& the South medow and the rem[ainder] of his said fathers 
Hous lot to be reserued and added to the said Daniell in his next 
deuision if so much falle to hi[m] & if it proue lesse then his share 
he is to haue it made vp [some]where else at the Towns descresion 
And hereby it is [de]clared that the said Anthony is no propri- 
ator in Groton yet if God in prouidenc shall make way for him & 



10 EARLY RECORDS OF 

mov h[is] heart to com & reside with vs the towne doth promise 
... to acomadate him as conveniently as they can 

[Novem.] 30 (63) John Mosse of Ipswitch is accepted by 
the Towne to pay the alotment of John Lawranc Juniy 

Its agreed that when all men hav their full allowan of medow 
The residue shall be devided to the p'sent inhabitants by lot acord- 
ing to every mans proportion 

By the Towne its joyntly agreed & manifested by vote That every 
man of this Town shall bring a note of all his lands or their lands 
Bounded & abutted vnto y'^ Town-Clark being subscribed by two 
that helpt to lay them out and then the said dark shall record them 
in the Town Book and giue to each a Transcript of his lands ac- 
ording to the Towns record which shall be vieued by the Select 
m[en] both originall & coppy and if y*^ originall Town Record & 
y*" Transcript be found to agree then each mans Transcript shall be 
subscribed by the Town Clark 

For as much as y' it apeareth that Richard Sawtell his [la]nd was 
not equivalent for goodness to other mens . . . who had the same 
quantitie. The Towne . . . have consented & by vote manifested 
that ... he shall haue that scragy shrubbs . • . vnto Indian hill 
. . . som times a . . . Indian hill . . . [3] 

\I)ate torn off.'] 
[i] . . . Towne from . . . penc provided he th . . . person that 
shall here after . . . make any just demand with respect to . . . ve 
mentioned p''mises what ever shall be by him . . . them so de- 
manded 

[2] Due to Ric Blud & Joh. Lakin for laying out the hie-way to 
Lankester twenty shillings when they have perfeted the work w*^ they 
Engage to doe soone 

3 Due to James ffisk &. Joh. Nuttin twenty shillings for laying 
out the hie-way to Chelmsford when they haue perfeted the work w'^ 
they promise to doe as soone as they can 

4 Due to Ric. Sawtell five shillings for service done for the 
Towne at Cambridg twice 

5 Due to Jams Parker. Jam Knop &. Joh. Page, six shillings for 
laying out the Townes hie-wayes & & satisfing men for their land 
when it fell so that the hie-way went over any man's propriety 



GROTOxN, MASSACHUSETTS. II 

[Dec]em . . . 6;^ i William Martin Sergeant James Parker 
Ric. Blud W" lakin & John Nuttin are for this yeare Chosen 
Select men 

2 Sam. Davis Sam. Woods Ellis Barns & John lakin are chosen 
surveyors of the hie-ways for this yeare 

3 To view fences this year are chosen Jams Knop W"° Greene 
And Joseph Gilson 

4 Ric. Sawtell is chosen Towne Clark for this year 

November. 23. 1664. John Page is Chosen to be Constable this 
yeare : at a generall meeting 

2 James Parker William Lakin James ffisk William Martin & 
Richard Blood are chosen Select men this yeare 

3 Sergeant James Parker Joseph Parker Richard. Blud. Tho. 
Tarbole. & Sam. Woods are chosen & impowred by the Towne to 
lay out all the hie wayes In the Towne & if there be an absolute 
necessiti apearing for them to Run the hie way thro any mans pro- 
priety they haue full pow' to satisfie them out of the Towns land to 
their best convenienc 

4 ffor the surveyors of the hiewayes this yeare are Chosen Joh. 
Lawranc Joseph Parker & Jam Knop & Joseph Gilson 

5 To view ffences this year are chosen Walter Skiner & Na- 
thaniell Lawranc & Jonathan Sawtell 

6 The Towne has granted vnto John. Shadock an alotment con- 
teining a single mans proportion vpon condityon th[at] he shall 
pay the Towne Charges both Ciuill & EcUa[sti]call that heretofore 
hath risen or here after [shall] arise as the due proportion of such 
an alotme[nt.] And. secondly the vse of two [acres] of medow 
lyng vpon Cow-pond Brooke i ... for seauen yeares. provided he 
abide . . . constantly & consionably ... of the wants of each . . . 
they making . . . [4] 

[^T/iree lines much torn, and inegible.~\ 
. . . other wise it is . . • disposed of at their plesur 

November 27 1664 Joseua Whetney and Christofer halle were 
this day chosen to Joyn with Johnathan Sattell formerle chosen to 
vieue fences 

In the Rome of Walter Skener and Nathanell larance whom ar 
herby Released 

2ly it was this daye voated and granted y' Mathias ffarnworth 



12 EARLY RECORDS OF 

shall haue fortey polle of land to be layd out agaynst his house next 
to James his Broke for a building place puided [it] do not pred- 
gedese the hye way 

Richerd Blude William laken Mathias ffarnworth and James 
Kno[p] William longley being chosen emparsall by the towne and 
John Lawrence sener to arbtrate a desp[ute] betwen the above sayd 
John lawrence and the town they haue and do her[eby] declare y* 
they do thus detarmen y' is to Saye his pro.son of land being furst 
mad good acord to his gra[n]te we find y^ remainder to be the 
towns land acord[in]g as it now bounded 

27 of January James fisk is now by the townes apaintment Re- 
corded the townes Clarke for this yeare 

James Fisk, the second town clerk, was an original proprietor 
of Groton, and the owner of a twenty-acre right. He was 
also one of the first board of selectmen chosen by the inhab- 
itants. He wrote a fair hand, and held the office during the 
year 1665. His house-lot was situated on the present "Great 
Road," perhaps a quarter of a mile south of the First Parish 
Meeting-house. He died July 4, 1689 ; and in his will, which 
was dated June 14 of the same year, he mentions four sons 
and one daughter. 

[A^of dated.'] 
It was this day granted and by voate decla[red] y' John Leaken 
shall haue a pece of lande as which is sixe acors mor or lesse 
bound[ed] partly on the south and by tene acors of . . . land and 
aingeler east by his hethermost . . . and on the north by other 
tene acors of . . . lande on the west by the townes comon As 
also . . on the east by the hye way [5] 

Here the record is considerably torn, and is probably of a 
town meeting held subsequently to the time of the last entry. 

It was ... of M' Willerde our . . . declared by voate y' our time 
of . . . yerly so longe as god shall please to . . . gether shall be- 
gine and ende vpon the 29 [d]ay of September 

It is furthermor agreed and decleared by voate y' Mr Willerde 
shall be alowed in consideration of his labours amonste vs this next 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 13 

yere Inseui[ng] the full pposion of fifteye pounds to be payd by 
euery Inhabetant acordinge to his pposion and as nere as may be 
in y' which his nessety requir[es] and furtherraor in consideriation 
of the tim being betwene the furste of July laste past and y" last of 
September next we do herby agree and promise vnto him y' we will 
paye him twentey pounds for the first thirde parte of tim at or befor 
the last of September next and twentey pounds mor at or befor the 
furste of May next and twentey too pounds and lo shilings more at 
or before the last of September next after which will be in y" yere 
1666. 

At a town metting vpon The 21 of the 7 mo"" 1665 It was this 
day agred and voated y' they will haue a metting house bult forth- 
w[ith.] 

It was this day agreed and by voate declard y' Sargent James 
Parker and Richerd Blood shall make the couenenant with the 
carpenders for the caring one the worke puided y' noe other pay 
shall be Requrd of any man puided he will pay his proposon in his 
labour giung the carpenders a wekes warng 

It was this day granted and by voate declared y' John lawranc 
senf shall quiatly posese and Inioye a parselle of land now in con- 
trouersey and allredey within his ffenc and a Joyning to his house 
lotte contining too acors mor or lesse bounded west and south by 
the hye way and north and east by his own land & granted to him 
as a grantiuety 

It is also granted that eury Inhabetant shall haue the like priuledg 
proposonally 

It was thise day granted and voated y' Richard Bloode haue lib- 
erty to exchang 20 30 or 40 accors of his land prouided he do not 
take it vp agayne vpon phibeted land nor to the predges of the hye 
way or any predgedes to [a]ny mans propriety 

... so y' eury Inhabetant shall haue the li[ber]ty : of exchang- 
ing any parte of his land [prjouided it be not mor to the damedg 
of the town than priuledg to him y' desir an exchang : in the apre- 
hedsion of the commet[tee] chosen to lay it out [6] 

... & by votte d . . . Consent of the town y' noe . . . haue 
leberty ... to take vp any lande by [way] of exchange or other 
way vpon Sandey pond brooke and between y' and the magors 
brooke and South brooke till such' tim as the milles acomodations 
be layd out 



14 EARLY RECORDS OF 



The lo of the 8 mo"* 1665. It was this day voated and hereby 
decleared at a leagell town metting y' thes persels of land namly, 
y^ land Comonly called by y^ name of the Indian hills as also all 
the comon lande between John Lauranc sen his hous lotte and Wil- 
liam Grens and Samuell Woods ther medo as also a pece of Swamp 
betwen William Longlys and Johnathan Crespes ther lotts shall 
from this day forth lye in comone for the vse of the towne and noe 
man shall haue leberty to take up any parte ther of as his pperitey 

2 It was allso this day agred and 'voated by the towne y' in con- 
sidration of a grattiaty formerly granted to eury Inhabetante anser- 
able to John lawranc sen his grante y*" 21 of the seaventh mo"' 65 
y' eury man shall haue liberty to take vp 6 accors to a twentey accor 
house lote, and in case it Joine to his house eury man shall take vp 
pposonabl ther vnto respectng such as haue eyther the holle or any 
part therof alredey, but if mor remote eury Inhabetant shall haue 
libert[y] to take vp too for one 

It was this day granted to Eleze baron y' he shall haue liberty to 
take vp three persels of medow confining too accor mor or lesse 
lying on the sowth of the Indeian hills bownded one all poynts by 
the towns comon 

The Country hye way being determened betwen this towne and 
Chel[ms]ford by a commitey chosen Respectiuly by both towns 
haue agreed and according layd out thes country hye way from y^ 
metting house place in the ould carte way to Chelmsford metting 
house sixe Rode in width from place to pla[ce] this being testefyed 
vndr the hands [of] the commitey at a towne mee[ting] the 10 of 
July 65 and excepted by the towne may be suficente to sattesfy aney 
home it may heraftr concern 

witnesse Jam ffiske in the nam o[f] the towne [7] 

The ii of the [lo"* month, 1665?] . . . Joseph Parker chosen 
Cons[table for] this next Insouin Sargent James Parker William 
Longley William Mearten William Leaken and Jam Knope ar^ 
chosen Selecte men for this next yer Inseuen. 

Richerd Bloode Thorn Tarball ar chosen survayers of the hye 
ways for next yere Inseuen. 

Sergent James Parker Jam Knop and William Leaken wer chosen 
together with y" to determen the seuerall Squadrants and hom 
shall worke at each squadron succesiuly 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. I5 

William Longly is also chosen Clarke Danell Perse and Chres- 
epher halle ar chosen to veue fences 

Att the same meeting it was, voted that there should be a high 
way left out of all and euery additionall lot or lotts for the townes 
use as occassion should haue cause to make use of from time : to 
time ; thear being lands alowed by the the suruayers [w]hen they 
laid out the seuerall additions prouided it be not aboue one high 
way and that the high way do not exceed aboue foure poole wide 

A country rate for the year ^665 

the totall summe being 11^ 5^ 6^ 
A county rate for the same yeare 

the totall summe being 1-^155 3d 
both, with rates committed into the hands of John Page to gather, 
by the order of the Select men [8] 

William Longley was the third town clerk of Groton. He 
was among the earliest settlers of the town, and was the 
owner of a thirty-acre right. He was the son of Richard 
Longley, of Lynn, where, in the town records, the name is 
sometimes spelled Langley. His handwriting was creditable, 
and he held the office during the years 1666 and 1667. He 
died November 29, 1680, leaving a will, dated six days before 
his death, in which he mentions four daughters and two sons. 
A few years later his son, William, was chosen town clerk ; 
and the two have sometimes been confounded with each other. 
Still later his grandson, John, was chosen to the same office. 

16 of the ID mo'^ 1665 It was this day agreed and by a vnanams 
voatte declared y' for as much as god by his puidanc haue setteled 
Mr Willerd our Rauerante Pastor by sole[mn] Ingeagment amunst 
vs we do therf[ore] frely giue him y' acomadatione fbrmerle stated 
to the minestry to gether with the house and all other apartanances 
apertayni[ng] ther vnto to him and his for eur from this day forth 
puided he do contineue with vs from this day forth till seaue[n] 
yers be xpired. But in cause he shall se cause to remoue from vs 
be for the seauen yers be xpired it is ag[reed] by our Rauerant 
paster one one par[t] and the town one the other y' he shall leaue 
thes holle acomadatione to the town and be aloued what it shall be 
Judged by Indeferant men mutally ch[osen] on both parteys and 
so the hous and lan[d] to Remayn the towns to despose of haung 



l6 EARLY RECORDS OF 

aloued as aforsayd for what improument he haue mad vpon it But 
if it shall pleas god to take him by death then the house and land 
... to his eayers frely for euer 

and hervnto we do enterchangebly sett to our hands the day and 
yer aboue wretten Sam^^ Willard James Parker 

William Lakin 
James knop 
In the name and with the consent of the towne 

A generall towns meeting held. 5 of march 1665-66 Att the 
same meetting it was agreed and voted y' the there should be trees 
marked for shade for cattell in all common hy wayes : : 

A the same meetting it was agreed & voted that the marke 
should be a great T 

At the same meeting it was agreed and voted [th]at who euer 

shall fall or lop any shuch trees [mark]ed by the men apointed shall 

pay for eue[ry tree] fallen or lopped shall pay for th . . . tenne 

shillings 

\_Not dafed.] 

It was this day granted and by voate declare[d] that Sergent 
James Parker John Page Jam Knope and Thomas Tarball shall 
haue libertey to take vp a twentey accor acomadations of vpland 
and medow the vpland in that place y* may sute them beste prouided 
they do not take it out of y' land which is alredey prohebeted and 
the medow partly out of y' which was apoynted for t[he] melle and 
the rest wher they can finde it in aney place or places that they 
shall make choyc of with all other priueledges apertayning the[reto] 
acording to other grants of lik . . . In considriation of the . . . 
mill as apere by ac . . . [9] 

Entered in the town book It is further ordered y' the . . . shall 
not be ratable . . . yere sixty and seauen 67 as ... y^ mille shall 
stande Reatte fre for the full terme of twentey yeres ferthermor it 
is agreed by the consent of the towne y' noe man nor men shall 
haue liberty to build anye other mell or mels tell the full time be 
xpired expresed in the couenant vndr the hands of the vndertakers 
vnless anye man se cause to buld it vpon his own pperitey and only 
for his own vse 

6th 5™ r666 it was this day voted and declared by these foure 
men that are aboue mentioned in this order of granting lands to 
builde a mill haue also released the towns engagement unto them 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 1/ 

The following two entries are in the handwriting of John 
Morse, the sixth town clerk, and belong some years later. 

At a Towne meeting granted by the Towne a five acre acomada- 
tion of vpland and medow with priuledg of commonage to such a 
psell vnto Thomas Williams wife and children and soe to remaine 
theirs without any salle or alteration and if in case they leaue the 
town then it is to returne againe to the town the towne paying him 
for what nesisary charg hee hau bin at 

Upon an exact calculation found seaven hundred and forty acres 
of ratable meadow [10] 

at a generall town meeting held 26 . . . [1666.] ... It was 
agreed and declared by vote that our re [verand] Pastor M' Willard 
should haue sixty pounds al[lowed] him for this year Ensuing: 
beginning at the 29 of Semptember 1666 : 

And also euery inhabited, is hereby ingaged to pay vnto our 
reuerent Pastor the third pt. of his pption in merchantable corne at 
price currant and also to cutt and Car[t] to his house and there to 
Cord for him the aforesaid 30 cord of wood at fine shilling p cord, 
betwixt this & the 25th 10 m 

Att the same meetinge, Nathaniell Lavvrenc and Samuell Woods 
now agreed with to lay the planks vpon the meeting and to do 
them sufficiently, and they are to haue 4 s 6 : d p 000 alowed them 
in the meeting rate 

Att the same meeting, James Knapp & Ellis [Barron] were agreed 
with to make 2 doores for the meeting house & to mak 2 p of stares 
for i-^ : and to lay the vpper floure for 4^" 6 

At the same meating Will Greene and Joshua Whittney where 
cohosen, to he[Ip] the Glassiar Goodm Grant to bring vp his glasse 
and to be allowed for their tim in the meeting house rate 

Att a towns meeting held 11"' : lo"' 1666 Samuell Woods was 
Chosen Constable for the yeare Ensuing. 

Att the same meeting Sergeant James Parker John Lakins John 
Lawrence James Knapp & William Longley we[re] Chosen select 
men for this yeare en[suing.] 

Att the same meetting William Longley was chosen town Clarke 
for the year Ensuing. 

John Longley of Grawton took the oath of fidelity this 24th of 
the 2 month 1666 

before Daniell Gookin 



EARLY RECORDS OF 



Att the same meeting the towne grant[ed] vnto John Morse that 
2 acres & a h[alf] that was layed out vnto Tho[mas] boydens in the 
general [field.] [H] 

ii"' : lo 1666 . . . the same meeting Benjamin [Crispe] did lay 
downe 2 acres & a halfe of w" he purchased of Thomas Boyden in 
the generall feild, and he had liberty by the towne to take it vp with 
his gratuity y' he purchased of I'homas boyden and the towne 
granted vnto the sd beniamin Crispe two acres and a halfe of 
vpland to be layed out with the rest abouesd : 

A true account of all the pticuler soms of all the work done to 
the meeting house frame and other charges as nailes hookes & 
hinges glasse and pulpit et : 

Inpr for Thatch 5-0 o 
It ■ to John morsse for thathing and getting withs i 130 
It for wages for those did attend the thatcher 5 148 
It carting clay & stones for d awing the wall Sz un- 
der pinning 3 00 
It the dawbing of meeting house walls 4 12^ 6 
It laths and nailing on 200 
It for nailes 3 12 3 
It for nailling on the clap bords 7 108 
It for getting the sleepers and laying of them i 40 
It for planks 600 & halfe 2 18 6 
It fo seanson bords 700 & 5 foot 2 12 10 
It for laying of the lower flore at 4"" 6'' p 000 i 82 
It making doores and two payres of stares 100 
It for laying 40382 of bords on the gallery floors 2 00 
It for shutts for the windows and making p'uison 

for M' Willard to preach till we haue a pulpitt o 10 o 

It making a pulpitt 3 00 

It for glass for the windows 3 5 o 
It for 200 of bords and more nails and more work 

done by carting & laying seats &c 180 

50 16 10 
... f the meeting house rate Josiah Parker [12] 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 19 

Att a Town mee[tin]g held 24 lo™ [1666.] It was agreed & by 
vote Declared y' all the lower seates in the new meeting house that 
now is: should be deuided six for men & six for women, And also 
the two front seats of the Gallery : the best prouision that the town 
can prouide both for the minister and also for the people to sit 
upon, against the next Lords day come seauenight and euery one 
to be placed in their places as they shall continue for the future 

Att a Generall Town meeting held 31"^ lo"' 1666 ffor better pceed- 
ing in setling seates for the women as well as for men It was 
agreed & by vote declared that the ffront Gallery on the north side 
of the meeting house should be devided in the midle ; and the 
mens that shall be placed there ; their wiues are to be placed by 
their husbands as they are below 

£ s d 

12 3 4 A rate made; 13*'' 5T 1666 and put in to the hands of 
Joseph to colect, to pay these debts follow 

Impms I pound 2 10 

It to seuerall men fo laying out highwais and other 
time spent for the towne use 

It t sergent Parker i 3 o 

It to richard Blood 00 18 4 

It John Lakins 00 12 o 

It Tho Tarball 00 18 o 

It John Page 00 16 o 

It James Knap 01 12 o 

It James ffisk 00 10 o 

It John Nutting 00 10 o 

It Joseph Parker 00 06 o 

It Joseph for the stocks and Irons to hang • . 120 

I Sam Woods 00 02 o 

It Will Longley 00 02 o 

It rich holdin 00 02 o 

It for the for the rate about first meeting falling 

short to pay the workers 16 o 

11 09 4 
It toe black staffe o 3 6 

I for beanes, & a halfe bushell peck & halfe .0 16 o 

12 8 10 

[13] 



20 EARLY RECORDS OF 



Att a meeting of [the] Select men held 22"' . . . [1667.] It was 
agreed for the puenting of vnessary Charges y' might fall vpon the 
towne, by any Constable or any other men, that shall or may be au- 
thorized, by the towne, to gather towne rates yearly It is therefore 
ordered for the future, that any Constable or Constables that shall 
be legally Authorized from the Towne to gather rates for the vse 
of the towne, being Comitted vnto him or them orderly ; And after 
due demand made of each inhabitant of this towne, that now are 
or after shall be from time to time : who euer they shall be that 
shall refuse to make payment, or to satisfy the Constabls their 
respectiues sumns so demanded the s'^ Constable or Constables are 
hereby Impowered to leuy a distresse vpon the goods or chattells of 
any man or men rusing or non paying theirs dues as aforesd ; And 
the sd Constable is to take two shillings for euery distresse so leuyed 
for his fees always puided that he or they make but one distresse of 
any one pson for any one rate, and this order was appued of by the 
towne to stand in force till the Towne so cause to repleale the 
same 

Att a generall Towns meetings held 8* 3™ 1667 The Towne hav- 
ing further agitations about a mill vnderstanding that Captaine 
Clerke of Boston had manifested his willingnesse to build a mill 
for the Towne ; It was agreed & by vote declared : that There 
should be three men chosen to go to Mr Clerke and power giuen 
vnto them at the same meetings to make a firme agreement with sd 
Capt Clerke in the behalfe of the Towne, and the Towne did by 
vote declare to stand to confirme what should be inacted by them, 
puided they attended to the Instructions then agitatted by the 
Towne The Three men chosen by the towne as the Trustees are 
These Sergeant James Parker Corporall James Knapp & Beniamin 
Crispe 

Att the same meetings it was declared by vote that the Towne 
Clerke, should in the behalfe of the town signify vnder his hand by 
writing vnto Captaine Clerke that the sd three men now chosen by 
the the towne and had full power Committed vnto them to make a 
firme & full agreement with him about his building a mill for the 
towns use [14] 

[At a to]wns mee[ting h]eld G',*" 6"" 1667. [The t]owne hauing 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 21 

another meeting about a mill [it] was agreed & by vote Declared 
y' the lands & meadows granted to John prescott : for to build 
the towne a mill ; namly the 500 acres of vpland and twenty of 
meadow, together with the mill should be freed from all towns 
charges whatsoeuer for the space of twenty years : and this was the 
vote of the major part of the towne that was present at this meet- 
ing : these fouer men as folloeth, manifested their Descent at y' 

time 

Richard Blood -— 

Wilt Longley 

James ffiske 

Thimo Allen 

At the same meeting : James Parker, James Knapp John Page 
& Ellis Barron were chosen, by the major p' to agree with John 
Prescott & full power given them, to make a firme bargaine with 
him : 

Att a generall towns meeting held 7''' 8™ i66[7,] It was agreed 
& by vote declared that the rate that was formerly made for amu- 
nition should be made voide : that order was giuen to the select 
men to make another and to add to the former i penny vpon the 
acre, and the pay to be such as carry it self down to Charles 
Towne. 

Att a meeting of the select 8*'' 8""' 1667 : a rate made for amuni- 
tio" and Committed in to the hands of Joseph Parker Constable 
to Colect, and procure the same for the Towne use 

the totall 12^ GO 

Att a generall Towns meetting held 10"' 9" 1667 It was agreed 
and by vote declarded to giue vnto Mr Willard our pastor for his 
maintenance for this present yeare beginning the 29* 7"" should 
haue sixty pounds, to be paid at two payments the one halfe to be 
paid into to him, betwixt this and the last of March next : and the 
other half of the pay to be paid vnto him by the last of September 
next after the date hereof. And for quality ; the major pt of the 
Towne agreed y' one third p' each inhabitant shloud pay his third 
p' of his proportion ; in wheat at 5^ p bushell or porke a[t] 3 pence 
p pound or butter at 6 pence p pound fo . . . thirds in Indian corne 



22 EARLY RECORDS OF 

at 3^" p bushelle : or other ... at the price currant as it passeth 
betwixt . . . amongst ourseleues [15] 

At the same [meeti]ng it wa[s voted that] Sergeant James Parker 
should . , . Inhabitant bring in his Just pportion . . . time and 
quality of pa}' as it is stated in the [for]mer order & that the s*^ James 
Parker shall haue full power giuen to him vnder the select mens 
hands to force any Inhabitant to mak payment that shall not come 
vp to pforme his duty aft[er] due demand and all due means used 
to bring him or them as abouesd 

Att a generall Towns meetting held ii"" 9'""' 1667 The towne 
agreed with Thimothy Allen to swe[ep] the meetinge house & to 
puide water ffor the babtizing of the towns children from time to 
time, for this yeare ensuing, and the s'^ Thimothy alien is to haue 
twenty shillings allowed him for his labor in the next townes rate 

At the same meettinge it was agreed that the seats in the meet- 
inge should be mad in a pleaine and desent and comly manner, 
and euery seuerall company (that ar now present inhabitants 
and as they are now placed by the towne and the Committey for- 
merly chosen,) they should build their seates at their owne charge. 
And all the fronteers both aboue and below, shall be at the charge 
of the laying the foundation sills for the seates that are behind 
them ; And what euer any maior p' of any company that are placed 
together in any seat shall agre to build their seats the minor are 
hereby inioyned to pay with their neighbors and it was further 
agreed that whereas the seates are larger than the present inhab- 
itants do fill vp then when any shall placed hereafter in any 
seate or seates y' then they are hereby enioyned to pay an equall 
pportion to be & with those that haue laid down the pay for the 
building of the seates 

Att meeting of the select men 21"' 9"' 1667 A rate made for our 
Pastor of 60 GO 00 

and put it into the hands of Serg James Parker to colect 

[At] the same meeting was a rate made for the Count . . . acer ii 

and Committed into the hands [of] Joseph Parker to colect 

[16] 

[At] a meeting [of the select] men the [22 9 1667,] Rekonde 
with Joseph Parker both for the towne rate of 12^ 3^ 4 and for the 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 23 



00 


15 


00 


02 


15 


00 


00 


05 


00 


00 


05 


00 



Meetinghouse Rate being 19-00-06, he the sd Joseph: paying 
all the pticuler bills assigned to him by the select men or stated in 
the townes book to be paid as there remaine Due ; to the sd Joseph 
Parker 02^-15 - 04 of w'*" summe 10^ 00 00 [;^i ?] is due to him for 
2 wolues heads that he paid to the to the Indians for the towne 

At the same meetinge was a towne rate made ffor to pay the 
Artest and the men that attended him and his diet for himself and 
his horse, and for two sheets of parchment, for him to mak two 
platts for the towne, and for Transportation of his pay all which 
amounts to about twenty pounds and to pay seuerall other town 
debts that apear to us to be due ; which sd rate ariseth to 9 pence 
p acre vpon the meadow of each inhabitant of this towne, and 
Comitted vnto Joseph Parker now Constable to Colect, and to dis- 
charg the aforsd debts being ordered to him by the selectmen 
due to John lakin 01 00 o 

James Parker, for going to boston to search to Coun- 
try records and to Captain Clerke 
due to Joseph Parker 
ffor two sheats of Parchment 
due James Knap for going to Cap Clerke 
James Parker hath p''mised to Discount that 2^. 5^ 
thats due from him to the towne, in that wch 
is due from the town to him ; & therefore the 
rate was laid so much lesse vpon the towne : 
w'^h sume abousd is discounted 

attest MiTHiAS farnwor[th] 

due to Thimothy Allen for sweeping the meetinge house 01 00 
ffor to build a seat ffor the deaco" and a seat ffor the 

Pastor wife 02 00 

At a towns meeting held the 11"' lo"' 1667 Samuell Dauis was 
chosen Constable for the yeare Ensuing. [17] 

[James] Knop . . . [John] Nutting selectmen for the . . . 

Item, Jno Page chosen [Town] Clerke : 

Item. Rich : Blood & Tho Tarbol Senio"" surveyors for y"" high 
wayes. 

Item, Tim: Allyn : Sam! Kempe, «&: Jno Ba[rron] chosen sur- 
veyors of fences. 

Item, Sam! Wood, «Si Nath. Lawrence chosen to s[ee] that hogs' 
bee legaii 



24 EARLY RECORDS OF 

John Page was the fourth town clerk, and held the office 
during the year 1668. He was the son of John and Phebe 
Page, of Watertown, and removed to Groton in the year 1662. 
He was married May 12, 1664, to Faith Dunster, by whom he 
had five or six children. In the spring of 1676 he returned 
to Watertown, where he died probably in the year 171 2. 

1668. Att a towne meeting held the 11 of 9 month John Nutting 
was Chosen Constable for yeare insu[in]g 

att the same meeting James Parker Wiila longlye Beam Crispe 
Wilta lakin Richard bl[ood] wheare Chosen select men for this 
yeare and Richard Blood towne Clark 

att the same time Wiila longlye Joseph Parker Nathan iell 
Law[rence] Richard blood wheare Chosen Oveseers for the high 
wayes 

at the same time Thomas Tarball Juni wiilia greene Joseph gil- 
son was Chosen oversears of fences and that swyne be ordered 
according to Court and towne order 

At the same time Josefh parker was agreed with for [to] keep 
the meeting house Cleane for this y[ear] for twenty shillings 

Richard Blood, the fifth town clerk, was the son of James 
and Ellen Blood, of Concord. He held the office during the 
year 1669, and hved in the district called "Nod," which is sit- 
uated in the neighborhood of the cross-roads, just below the 
soapstone quarry. He was one of the original petitioners for 
Groton, and the largest proprietor in the town, owning a sixty- 
acre right. He was also one of the first board of selectmen 
chosen by the inhabitants. His wife's name was Isabel ; they 
had five children, and perhaps more. He died on Decem- 
ber 7, 1683. James, his eldest son, was killed by the Indians 
at Groton, in the autumn of 1692. 

the 6 of the 10 moth in a towne meting it was voted that . . . 
Acommidations with all the visible estat of [the] towne is that 
which is to be Rated for the defraing of publick Charges Civill and 
cycle [siastical.] 

Richard Blood Wilia longlye with sum others refuse to Join 
with them but showing theire desent to the Contrarie 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 2$ 

The : 8 of the lo moth It was this day voted by the mayior part 
of the towne that the minist[er have] sixty fine pounds for this 
yeare beginning the tewnty nine of September 68 shall shall be 
Raysed the one halfe vpon the Accomdations and the other halfe 
vpon all the visible estat of the towne will longley Richard blood 
and sum others declaring the Contrarie by voyt [18] 

[At a gen]erall [town]e meting the ... It was this voted by the 
to[wn] . . . County Court shall be . . . from the Charges of . . . 
so to other Courts to efect_and to be Chosen for that end 

At the same meting it was determined to buil[d a] bridg over 
stonie brook fitting for Cart[s to] pass over, as also that James 
knop W[illiam] lakin Richard blood ar mayd cho[ice] of to vew 
where the best place be for that end and what the Char[ge] may 
amount vnto and to haue ther p[ay] when sargent parker and 
Richard . . . hath theirs for going to the gener[al Court.] 

5 of the first moth 68 69 At a meeting of the sele[ct] men for 
the dividing of beards ar so divided as th , . . yeare onely Richard 
Blood and . . lakin shall heard ther Cattell with there neighbors 
according to a towne order formaly mayd in the yeare 62 

the 22 of march 68 6g Att a towne meting it was [by] vot de- 
clared that the deaken should be satisfied for in the Ratt now put 
into the counst[able's] hand which is tow pounds three shillings 
and six pence. 2 — 3 

the ig of the second moth 1669 A Rate mayd by the select 
men for belerica bridg Contaying the sum [of] sixtene pounds put 
now into the h[ands] of John nuttinge Counstable 

At the same meting it was o[rdered] that sargent parker and so 
to ... . lakin shall heard ther Cat [tie] together notwithstanding 
any order formalie to the Contrarie for this yeare [19] 

[At a] town meting the second ... by vote granted to Robert 
parish . . . [Parkjer and timothy Couper that th[ey shall be] and 
now ar free Comoners for wood and timber and for there owne 
Cat [tie] as other men of this towne haue paying to all towne 
Charges according to there proportion 

[Sa]me [meetijng formalie being an account taken of all the 



26 EARLY RECORDS OF 



grants that had bine giuen and granted and the Comitties order 
being fulfiled the towne did solemUe determine to take in no more 
but a taylear and a smith and Consedering the great Charg that 
hath bine vpon the present inhabitants the do now by vote declare 
that by way of grant or gift directlie or indirectlie as a towne and 
the townes mind herein declared by vote the second of June 1669. 
onely a smith and no other 

same meting theise men gaue vnto Robert parish sum small 
grants of vpland as followeth 

sargent parker 4 accors 

will longlye 3 accors 

Richard Blood 4 acors 

John longlye 2 acors 

James knop i acors 

James fifiske 1 acors 

matt farnworth i acor 

John baron i acor 

sargent lakin i acor 

Thomas tarball senior 2 acors 

this not giuen as a towne act but out of everie mans owne 
pertikuler Right provided hee Come and settell amonst vs a 
townes man and not other wayes 

it was voted that our pastors maintenance should be Raysed 
the one halfe vpon the Acomidations and the other halfe vpon the 
visible estat of the towne and the sum to be sixtie fine pounds 
as followeth 

first to pay 30 pounds in Corne and tenn pounds in provision 
and what is wanting in provision to be payd in Corne and . . . 
tewnty fine pounds to be payd in . . . seasonnablelye or other- 
wayes in Corne [20] 

. . month [166] 9 . . . Ratte mayd for the . . . [ge]nera] 
towns dets the sume . . . pounds eighteene shillings and . . . put 
into the hands of John nu[tti'ig.] 

Att a meting of the select men the night moth 69 it is ordered 
that all and eu[ery] inhabitant shall from time to time p[revent] 
his swine from doing his neighbor [damage] either in Corne feilds 
medowes or a[ny] other pertikuler propritye but if any [man] or 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 2/ 

men shall neglect his or ther du[ty] herein the shall for the first 
traspass [pay] Just damag according to Just valuati[on;] for the 
second traspass the shall pay d[ouble] damag according to a Just 
valuation for a third traspass a trible damage a[s] aforesayd and 
that this order sha[ll] stand in force till this towne se a way to 
efect and prevent damag by swine 

A Countrie Ratte put into the h[ands] of John nutting Coun- 
stable for this yeare 1669 being the sum [of] tenn pounds sixtiene 
shillings 

the 10 of the 9 moth 69 att a towne meting James . . . was 
chosen counstable for [the] yeare next insuing 

At the same meting John Mos chosen towne clarke for the y[ear] 
insuing 

John Morse was the sixth town clerk, holding the ofHce 
from the year 1670 to 1676, when the town was burned by 
the Indians, — and subsequently during the years 1680 and 
1 68 1. He was the son of Joseph and Dorothy Morse, of Ips- 
wich, and a native of England. He wrote a handsome hand, 
and was an accomplished man. At the burning of the town 
he was taken prisoner, but ransomed in the course of a few 
weeks on the payment of " about five pounds." He removed 
from Groton to Watertown about the year 1699. 

The 15 of the 10 month 69 At a town meeting chussen [se]lect 
men for this year insu[ing] Will martin Sergent Parker Benjamin 
Crisp John Nutting John Page James knop John Morse 

[A]t the Same meeting for the same year chosen for commis- 
sioners William martin Sergent Parke [r] william Longly 

for Surveyers Joseph Parker Thomas Tarball senior [21] 

for veiwers of fences W Blood and John Barro[n] 

. . . Iso at the same tim were chosen Pel [eg Lawr]ance and Joshua 
Whitney for [look]ing after swine to be acording to orde[r. At] 
the same meeting were chosen [John P]age and John Nutting by 
the [town] to see that Mr Willard haue maintenance duely and truly 
payd him and that they bring the towne a generall acquitance : 

Agreed with Timothy Allen for the keeping the meeting house 
cleane for twenty shillings and to be payd in his town charges 



28 EARLY RECORDS OF 

The Towne voted that the men shold be payd for the laying out 
of John Prescots land 

and also agreed vpon at the same meeting that the select men 
shall haue power to petition to the Court for one to marry persons 
in our towne 

At a meting of the Select men the 27. December 1669 [I]t is 
orderd that all and euery Inhabitant of the Towne shall bring in a 
tru invoyce [o]f their pticuler estat to any one of the select men 
whensoeuer it is called for (or else it must be left to the discretion 
of the select men) or to a town meeting deputed for that end 

endepted to the towne from James ffisk Thirteen 
shillings sixpence o 13 6 

This acknowledged to be payd by John nutting 

At a meeting of the Select men Decem 27 1669 Agreed vpon 
that you are to make a Sufficient cart bridge ouer Sandy brook and 
also a Sufficient horse bridg ouer stony brook with a Raille of one 
side and to make a firm goeing in and out for a cart at the same 
brook and to mend such countrey hyewayes as doe nesisarily fall in 
and for pticuler hyewaye working all such as are behind are to be 
called vpon by the surve3rers to work their due proportion answer- 
able to those that haue wrought before and that euery man work 
proportionabley according to his estat and that the wayes are to be 
mended in the seuerall anggells of the towne and if any man or 
men shall willfully neglect working in any part of the hyeway after 
three dayes warning by the Surveyers they shall have power to hire 
any one in the roume of th[ose] that doe soe neglect and to mak 
them to pay three shill a day for eufiry such defect giuing the man 
they hire 2! 6'! for his day and reseruing the other 6'' for the towns 
vse. [22] 

. . . meeting of the select men Ja 10 i[669. Or]der about 
fences 

[T]o the intent that we may preserue loue and peace in the 
towne and preserue our corne from unnesisary beeing destroyed It 
is ordered according to power giuen to the select men to mak 
orders according to their best discretion as in pag 11 sexion 6 we 
order that all the out sid fences about all cornfeilds orchards and 
gardens in the towrte shalbe a sufficient fiue Raill fence or that that 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 29 

is in the judgment of the veiwers of the fences eqvivolent theirto 
and if any man refuse or neglect to mak such fences and theirby 
occasion either his owne or his neighbours cattell to an ill haunt 
which otherwise would be orderly shall forfeit to the towne for 
euery such default legally proued as a fine ten shillings and we doe 
expect that the veiwers of the fences shold atend their dutyes herin 
according to the law and towne order 

according to that law concerning swine in page 74 

for the preseruing our medowes from damage as much as may be 
from s[wine] that goe vpon the commons shalbe suff[i]ciently 
ringed from three months old and vpward with two sufficiently 
ring[s] in each swines nose well put in and to be ringed by the first 
of Aprill from tim to tim and to be continved so ringed till the last 
of September and to that end that they may goe sufficiently r[inged] 
doe order that the man or men [who] are to look after swine shold 
hau sixp[ence] a swine for euery swine that he or they find vnringed 
in the towne that is abo[ve] three months old and mak it apear 
le[gal]ly that he or they haue ringed them alre[ady] according to 
the intent of this order 

we order that if any mans swine in the towne tak any mans 
cornfeild beeing legally proued the owners of thes swine shall forth- 
with sufficiently yo[ke] them or shut them vp vpon the penalty of 
paying double damag at the first time of damag beeing done 

The owners of those swine that goe unri[nged] shall pay the 
sixpence to thos men that a[re] to look after the swin after legall 
demand 

At the same meeting The select men of haue ordered for the 
dividing of the heard in to three beards one to begin at Witii 
Martins and to Nathaniell Lorances taking in peleg Lorance and 
Will green es The second from samvell woods to Mathias ffarn- 
worth's taking in Richd holden and Joshua Whitney and his 
neigbours the Third from Will Elluees to Jam[es] Robersons and 
Timothy cooper 

for the preseruing of wood and ... it is ordered that for euery 
tr[ee] . . . that are feeld excepting p . . . within half a mile of 
[23] . . . body and top within one ... is not set up or caried 
away . . . feit four shilling for euery such . . . for the towns vse 
and half to the inf[or]mer and euery such tree or trees shalbe . . . 
for any man to take and for any pine tr[ee] that is fallen crosse the 



30 EARLY RECORDS OF 

high way and is not taken away with a week he shalbe lyeable to 
the same penalty and these foure men chosen to look after these 
defects Joseph Parker Nathaniell Lorance Daniell pearse and 
Thomas Tarball Junior 

At a generall towne meeting 12 of the 11"' month 1669 agreed 
vpon voted and agreed vpon that all publik charges excepting the 
ministers shold be raised vpon the accomedations till the towne see 
good to repeall it 

At y* same meting The Town haue voted and agreed vpon that 
Mathias fifarnworth shall mak a sufificient cartbridg ouer James 
brook beneath his owne house in that place wheir the surveyers 
shall Judg it most convenient and to mak the way sufficient as far 
as Benjamins Crisp ['s] house with a whele against his barn in con- 
sideration for which he is to hau a parsell of land of Simon Stones 
from the run to rock medow path till it come to his owne line leauing 
a highway thorow it of six polle wid till it com to the mill way and 
that way that did formerly run thorow Simon Stones is now deserted, 
and become his owne propriety 

[T]he ii"" o[f] Aprill [i]67o At a meeting of the select men 
agreed with Sargent James Parker for himself and his Son John 
and with James Knop to run the line betwene chelmsford and our 
towne with chelmsford men and they are to hau for the perfecting 
of the same sixteene shilling o 16 o 

At a generall towne meeting Novem i [i]67o It is this day 
agreed vpon and voted that Mr Willards maintenance and all other 
Towne charges shalbe raised for this present yeare the one halfe 
vpon accomodations and the other halfe vpon visible estate 

At the same meeting agreed vpon that Mr. Willard should haue 
sixty fiue pound for this present yeare and a sixth pt shalbe payd in 
flesh provision that is to say in merchentable pork beef butter and 
cheese betwixt this and chrismas merchentable wheat five shill per 
bush barley 4s per bush rye 4s pease 4s and Indian cor[n] flesh 
meat to be payd . . . per pound and butter at 6 • . . [24] 

Town meeting held the 12"" 10 m[i67o] chussen for constable 
James Knopp for the yeare ensuing 

for select men Serg James Parker William Martin William 
Longley John Nutting John Pag James Knopp John Morsse 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 31 

for Town dark was chussen John Morsse for the same year en- 

sueing 

, ( Thomas Tarball ) Seni 

for surueyers ■) . r 

(.John Lakin ) 

for veiwers of fences Ellis Barron : Thomas Tarball Juni James 
Roberson and to see that swine be according to town and court 
order are chussen Natha lawranc Samuell kemp 

At the same meeting agreed with Timothy Allen to keep the 
meeting housse cleane for this following year for twenty shill — i o o. 

At a meeting of the sellect men janev 2 1670 concerning swine 
to that end that our medowes and cornfeilds may be preseued from 
damag as much as may be we doe order that all swine that goe 
vpon the commons shalbe sufificiently yoked and ringed from three 
months old [and] vpward from the first of aprill to the last of Sep- 
tember and that the owners of the swine shall keep them soe during 
the wholle time and those men that are chusen to se that they be 
according to the order shall haue six pence p head for eu[ery] tim 
that they find them vnyoked and six pence euery time they find 
them vnringed half for them selues and the other half [for] the vse 
of the towne prouided they giu the owners of thos swine season- 
able warning excepting such swine that are turned ou[er] the riuer 
if the towne see good 

At the same meeting and agreed vpon by the towne. That all 
and euery inhabitant of the towne shall pay their due and full pro- 
portion to our Reuerd pastor in the seuerall kinds of it according 
to the agrement of the town the first half year payment to be payd 
at or befor the 25 of march and the other halfe to be payd at 
or before the 29 of septem : and they are to bring in their accounts 
to the Decon or to the men chusen for y' end within the ti[me] 
prefixed or else they shalbe accounted delinquents 

Ja XI 1670 At a towne meeting chussen for [that] end Ser: Wiiti 
Lakin and Nath Lawranc [25] 

[F]eb 8 1670 At a meeting of the Sel[ect]men agreed withall 
an . . . rneet with Boston Gentlemen for the renewing of the line 
betwene our town and their farmes in Massabog woods and between 
mashobo and our town (viz) Sargent James Parker and James knop 
and they are to hau 3' p day and with Joseph Parker senior and 



32 EARLY RECORDS OF 

John Parker, and they to haue 2S — 6d p day and they are to hau 
two qvarts of Liqvors to be giuen them for their refreshment vpon 
the towns account 

At a generall towne meeting held febr 13 1670 It is this day 
agreed vpon and voted that these severall psells of land here 
specifid shall for euer hence forward to lye common — (viz a peice 
of comon land about the meeting house that ly from John nuttings 
Samuell kemps James Robersons Timothy cooper unto Walter 
Skinners and the hye way 

A swamp that lye bounded vpon the land of Will Longleys 
Richard Blood and John page and the hye way that ly bye John 
Longleys 

A peice of land from Samvell Dauis Willa Ellue Will longley 
Jonathan Sawtells Richd holden and John Mors 

A peice of land that lye between Samvell Woods broad medow 
Jonathan Sawtell and the bay hye way 

A peice of land that lye from that was Ralph Rieds lot of both 
sides y'^ brook called James brook till we com to the high way that 
Run from Wiii Ellues to the pine medow 

All the swamp land lye common between Timothy Allen Josep 
gilson Wiii laken and the bridg y' ran to half moon medow 

All the common land that lye from Richard blood to the generall 
feild that is their layd down from the river to nashaway Road 

feb 17 [i]67o At a meeting of the select men for the stating 
and recording the hye wayes 

I Lanchester hye way from our meeting house to James his 
brook sixe poll wide as the Rood now lye ouer James his brook 
Bridge and soe to continue 6 po[ll] wide to nashaway meeting 
house according to the committees order 

[2] A high way from this countrey Road . . . [26] . . . James 
his Brook till we com to the cor[ner] of Jonathan Sawtells medow 
m[ee]ting with the other high way 

3'^ from the countrey high way by William Ellues and soe by 
Richard holdens purchis of Richard holden of two pooU wid for 
which he is satisfied for till it meet with the high way which was 
purchased of Samuell Dauis 

4 A high way goeing out of Lanchester Rood near John pages 
of four poll wid so goeing into the way that goe to mill near 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 33 

Benjamin crisps which high way was ptly purchased of Samuell dauis 
Richard holden Daniell peirce and James Knop butting vjDon Wil- 
liam Longley John Morse vpon the west and Thomas Tarball 
James Knop on the east and the rest of the way goeing through 
thos mens lots for mentioned and satisfaction giuen them to their 
conte'nt by the towne commitee 

Perhaps the highway starting from Farmers' Row, near the 
" Community," passing by the District School-house, No. 2, 
and the late Levi Stone's, — as laid down on the map in Mr. 
Butler's " History of Groton," — into the Harvard road. 

A high way goeing out of L;inchester roode of four polle wide 
goeing to the south end of the gcnerall field lots next to James his 
Brook bounded south with Richard holdens swamp and medovv and 
John Morsse north with the land of John Sawtell and Richard 
holden from which their goe a high way along the generall field till 
we com to the common land by SamUell Dauis the said way beeing 
four poll wid running between Richard holden and the [general] 
feild 

The road going toward Page's Bridge. 

and near about the midle of that way their goeth a high way of 
four [pole] wide downe the generall feild to the neck vpon the 
riuer 

The "neck" was near the farm of the late Major Amos 
Farnsvvorth. 

A high way goeing out of Lanchester Roode by thomas Tarball 
Junio= of four poll wid Thomas tarball of the north and Joseph 
Blood on the South 

The road leading to the Red Bridge and Squannacook, — 
on the south side of James Lawrence's farm. 

A high way that goe out of Lanchester Rood near the meeting 
house all the land that lye common vpon the head of Jonathan 
Crisps lot between Samuell Kemp and James Robersons lyeing for 
common and hy way soe runing from the end of Samuell Kemps 
lot between Jonathan Crisps and James Robersons and so down to 
the riuer 



34 EARLY RECORDS OF 

A high way that goe out of Lanchester Rood near the meeting 
house and see between Timothy cooper and James Robersons and 
through Timothy coopers land and to James Bloods hous lot till we 
com to the common land and common land left for a high way 
between Will Longley senio= and Christopher hall and Timothy 
Cooper which leadeth into the high way by Jonathan Crisps lot 
down to the riuer 

A high way that goe out of Lanchester Rood near Samvell Kemp 
lyeing between John Nutting and . . . runing to Broad medow 
. . . with the end . . . [27] so along the medow till you com to 
the high way coming from John Pag towards Benjamin Crisp 

A high way of two poll wid goeing from Lanchester Road near 
to Thomas Tarba[irs] between Richard Blood on the south and 
Joseph Parker on the north and so runing down to Broad medow 

This goes out of some part of Farmers' Row ; perhaps it is 
the westerly end of the Broad Meadow road. 

And for the mill Road between James fifisk and Samuell Woods 
Run a way to the mill of sixe poll wide excepting by the house of 
Richard Sawtell from James ffiskes staks to Richard Sawtells house 
soe runing of six poll wid till we come to Matthias ffarnworths 
land continuing 6 poll wid to the mill leading to the mill 

This is the highway leading from the " Great Road," and 
passing by the birthplace of Colonel Prescott, thence over 
James's Brook toward Harvard. 

and out of that way Run a way to Rock medow near to Matthias 
ffarnworth and thes wayes runing thorow pt of his land ne[ar] the 
place wheir thes wayes are now improued 

The Snake Hill road, only lately shut up to public travel. 

out of Chelmsford Road goe a high way of four poll wide by Ellis 
barren thorow his land of four poll wide and then six poll wid into 
the countrey Road at way pond 

Way Pond is the old name of Long Pond. The road 
started, perhaps, from a locality near the Ridges. 

And near Richard Sawtells house on the south sid of James his 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 35 

Brook a way of foure poll wid in the most convenient place to 
broad medow for carting of hay or driuing of cattell which way run 
through the land of Richard Sawtels 

This road starts from the late Eber Woods's house, — as laid 
down on the map in Mr. Butler's History, — and runs west- 
erly over Swill Bridge. 

Also a high way runing to Broad medow betweene Richard Saw- 
tells house and Samuel Woods thorow that piece of land that [is] 
already prohibited 

Also a high way of four poll wid going down to Broad Medow 
lyeing betwene IVf Samvell Willard and William Greene 

This is the easterly end of the Broad Meadow road, which 
then led only to the meadow. In the year 1752, two rods in 
width on the north side of the road was sold by the town to 
the Reverend Mr. Trowbridge, who owned the adjoining land. 

Out of Chelmes Road goe a high way near to wheir Joshua Whit- 
neys first house stood of four poll wid runing of that sid ferney 
medow to Brown loaf plain so vnto common 

This is the first road below Cady Pond, and runs northerly 
from the " Great Road." 

Another high way goeing out of the countrey high way near to 
Nicolas Cady going between his medow and Ser James Parkers 
land winding down towards Jacob Ongs house and so thorow his 
land and soe betwene ser Parkers land and James fhskes land and 
to Brown loaf plaine 

Cady lived in the neighborhood of the pond named after 
him, and Ong, near the late Reuben L. Torrey's house, — as 
given on the map in Mr. Butler's History. The road starts 
from Phineas G. Prescott's house, runs northerly perhaps 
sixty rods, to Mr. Torrey's, and then bears off easterly to 
Brown Loaf. The first section of it is the southerly end of 
Love Lane. 

Another high way goeing out of the countrey high way betwixt 
M' Willard and William Green goeing by Nathaniell Lawrances 
vnder the south sid of gibbet hill into those medows and woods 



2,6 EARLY RECORDS OF 

This is the beginning of the present Lowell Road, which 
formerly passed only on the south side of the meeting-house. 

and out of that way goe another way by Thomas Smith goeing 
betwixt Thomas Smith and Nathaniel! Lawrance and along by ser 
James Parkers land and into that way that leadeth from Nicolas 
Cadyes to br[own] loaf plain near Jackob Onges 

The northerly end of Love Lane. 

And out of that way a way by Natha[niel] Lawrances barne 
goeing into the neck . . . gat or a sufficiet pair of draw barrs to 
[be] Kept and maintained at the end [of] Natha[niel] Lawrances 
feild by Ser Pa[rker] . . . assignes for euer . . . [28] 

. . . from tim to tim and at all times previous thos that use it 
shut vp the barres or gat 

from the meeting house another highway out of the Countrey 
Road betwixt William Martins house lot and Joseph Lawrances 
house lot of four poll wid till it com to the medow and then soe 
wid as a sufficient causey determin it and from the bridg to by the 
half moone medow sid of foure poll wid for the vse of Wilia Martin 
and William Lakin 

Also from that causey by the pond and medow sid into the woods 
to Badacook a hie way 

another hye way for Timothy Allen goeing out of the prohibeted 
land thorow Joseph Lawrances land near Timothy Aliens of two 
poll wid 

Also another hye way out of the Countrey Road by ser William 
Lakins befor his Dore thorow his land as it is now stated by the 
commitee the town chose 

Also a high way out of the countrey Road by timothy Aliens to 
Joseph Gilson and soe into the hye way that come from ser Lakins 
to goe to Richard Bloods 

And out of that way goe a way by ser William Lakins betwixt 
Richard Blood and Alexander Rouse and betwixt William Longley 
senio= and John Lakins till we com into the common woods 

Also a hye way as it is now stated thorow James Parkers medow 
to Mr Willards medow Robert bloods and John Nuttings 

Also another high way from John Lakins [to] the meeting house 
as it is now stated the way by the new bridges from Nod 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 37 

The words "from Nod" are in a dififerent handwriting from 
Morse's. "Nod" is the old name of the district in the neisfh- 
borhood of the cross-roads, below the soapstone quarry. 

Also another high way from James Bloods house wheir he now 
dwell in to the way coming from John Lakins near the place wheir 
John Lakins old hous stood 

Also another highway turing out of the Countrey Road neare the 
meeting house runing thorow Joseph Lawrances land on the south 
side adjoyning to Captain Parkers land of two poll wid goeing to 
half moone medow which was formerly Timothy Aliens but now 
Timothy Coopers and this bye way only for his vse 

An agrement betwixt Joseph Lawrance and Timothy Cooper in 
the year 1672 

That their shalbe a hye way for the vse of timothy Cooper out of 
the hye way from the corner of Walter Skiners land on the south 
side of Joseph Lawrances land to the medow of timothy Cooper 
that lye in halfe moon medow 

A hye way Runing ouer James Bloods medow of two poll wid 
goeing to the Hand in Reedy Medow [29] 

The description of the last three highways appears to have 
been written subsequently to the rest, but it is in Morse's 
handwriting, 

1670 febr 28 Also a peice of land to lye common hence forward 
(viz) a hill calld by the name of Sheeplees hill and all the comon 
land that lye about it between y" two pathes the one that come 
from John Lakins to the meeting house and that which goe from 
Jno Lakins to Reedy medow 

That highway that come from the bridge to Nathaniell Lawrances 
lotend shalbe a open highway of four poll wid from sergent Lakins 
medow to Nathaniell Lawrances lot betweene sergent James Par- 
kers land and that land that was left out of of the sd sergent 
James Parkers by Nathaniell Blods house shalbe layd downe for 
the vse of the town and former record of shuting vp of barres shalbe 
mad annulle 

I think that this highway formerly ran on the west side of 
Gibbet Hill, from the present Lowell road to the Martin's 
Pond road. 



38 EARLY RECORDS OF 

Only their is a liberty left for opening or shuting of this high 
by the commitee chussen and the neighbourhood when the 
towne see case that their is more neadfull for the leaueing of it 
open then it is aduantag to sergent Parker or any other they are to 
leau it open againe and the commitee hau receiued full satisfaction 
for all the comon land that lye vpon the west and northwest sid of 
gibbet hill except the hye way and the hye way is left four poll wid 
from sergent Parkers line from the swamp along the medow sid to 
the bridg swamp from the medow and that skirt of land that was 
sergent Parkers by the meeting housse is determined by the com- 
mitee to lye coiuon for euer 

Also a hyeway that lye thorow Joseph lawrances land down to 
halfe moone medow is satisfied for 

and the hyeway by Nathaniell Bloods is satisfied for 

Also the hyeway from Nicolas Cadyes leading to brown loaf plain 
is enlarged of of sergent parkers land — also half an acre taken of 
sergent parkers land at the north east of end of Gibbet hill for the 
streitening of Nathaniell Lawrances line [30] 

At a meeting of the select men febr 24 1670 Agreed vpon for 
the diuision of the heard into three beards one to begin at M"' Wil- 
lards to Mathias ffarnworths taking in Thomas Boydon and Jackob 
onge and Nathaniell Lawrance and they ar to goe out with their 
heard 2 dayes in the week by James ffiske 2 dayes by Ellis barron 
and 2 dayes by Matthias ffarnworth and so to Rock medow 

The second heard to begin at sergent parkers to William Lakins 
taking in John Lakin Richard blood and James blods. 

The third to begin at Timothy cooper and James Robersons to 
William Ellues taking Richard holdens the walk the second heard 
is to goe out by Nathaniell Lawrancs and by sergent lakins and 
Richd bloods and into vnquetenorset woods all these seuerall 
angles of the town are to heard if they can agree to hire a heards 
man the major p! so agreeing 

At a generall towne meeting febr 27 70 Agreed vpon and voted 
that this last order about swine made by the select men shalbe 
made voyd and of noe effect 

Also agreed vpon at the same meeting that all thos seats that are 
yet to build in the meeting house shalbe built in a generall way also 
a commitee chussen to treat with thomas Boydon to build them 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 39 

(viz) Sergent James Parker corporall Knop John Pag Ellis Barron 
and Nathaniell lawrance 

At a town meeting held the 23 6™ 1671 It was agreed and by 
vote declared that Samuell Scriptur shalbe an inhabitant amongst 
vs and for his Incoridgment these men haue giuen him some small 
grants of vpland as followeth 



Will Martin 


I acre 


Serg Parker 


2 acres 


-Rich Blood 


2 acres & half 


Will Longley 


I acre 


Ellis Barron 


I acre 


John Page 


I acre 


Christo hall 


I acre 


John Longley 


half an acre 



At the same meeting agreed vpon that vpon the warning of any 
town meeting the seuerall perticulers that shalbe agetated vpon 
and that shalbe the work of that day shalbe brought in in writing 
and read by the dark at the begining of the meeting [31] 

At a Generall towne meeting held October 16 167 1 This day 
agreed vpon by the towne and voted that Mr Willard shall haue 
sixty fiue for this year ensueing and that he shall hau his whoU 
yeares pay by the latter end of december and the maner of his pay 
followeth one third p' of his pay in prouision and english corne and 
those that cannot pay in prouision and in english corne they are 
to pay their Indian corne at two shill and three pence the bushell soe 
as to answer that third pt of their pay which was to be payd in 
English corn and prouision and the rest of their pay they are to 
pay at prise currant (that is) their Indian corne — 3^ per bush 
wheat 5^ per bush'^" — pease Rye barley at 4^ per bush and pork 
and beeffe at 3^* per pond and for the maner of their payment to be 
raised as it was the last year the one half vpon the accommoda- 
tions and the other vpon the estate 

At the same meeting were chusen Sergent william lakin and 
nathaniell lawrance and that they shall se that Mr Willards pay 
shalbe brought in and faithfully payd to him according to the 
agreement of the towne 

At a Generall towne meeting held Decem 11 167 1 chussen for 
constable Ellis Barron for that yeare insuing 



40 EARLY RECORDS OF 

And for select men Sergent James Parker William Martin 
William Lakin John Page James Knop Elis Barron John Morsse 
and for town dark John Morsse 

for surveyers Nicolas cady Thomas Tarball Juni Jonathan 
Sawtell and Natha Blood 

for veiwers of fences Daniell Pearse Thomas Smith Jonathan 
Morss Joseph Lawrance 

At the same meeting the towne reserued in their own hands for 
the ordering of the heards And for sweeping the meeting house 
agreed with timothy Allen for Twenty shillings for this following 
yeare Also agreed vpon at the same time and voted that the en- 
voyce shalbe taken the first week of the sixth month and so to 
stand for the making of all town and ministers rates 

At a meeting of the sellect men janevary 18, 167 1 Concerning 
the surveyers agreed vpon by the select men for the diuiding of 
their seuerall sqvadrons and for the calling out of their men to work 
that is within their seuerall sqvadrons as is exprest in their seuerall 
papers The dayes they are to work is four dayes for this year 
excepting they can mak it apear that they . . . [32] 

At aTowne meeting held Sept 16 1672 It was agreed vpon and 
by vote declared that their shalbe a commitee chusen by the 
towne which Committee shall haue power to seat euery man 
according to their best discretion and that euery man shall pay to 
the value of the seat they sit in the seates also beeing valued 
according to their proportion and disproportion by this committee 
chussen and the committee chussen and the names of the men are 
these 

Sergent Parker ^ ( j t^ ^„ ") 

^ ( \ James Knop ( 

Sergent Lakin >- and < ^ , ^. r 

Tho= Tarball ) ( John Morsse ) 

Att a generall Towne meeting held Octo 14 1672 It was this 
day agreed vpon and by vote declared that Mr Willard shall 
haue for this present year eighty pound and the maner of his pay 
as followeth a third part of his pay a followeth In english corne 
and prouision wheat at fine shil p bushell Rye barley and pease 
at four shill pr bushell pork and beefe at 3'' p pound and all 
such as cannot pay his third part of his pay in english corn and 
prouision they shall pay In Indian corn at 2 shill p bushell and the 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 4I 

remainder of his pay In Indian Corn at 3 shill p bushell his fire 
wood also aboue his eighty pound 

and furder these persons here set dovvne doe promise and Ingage 
to git Mr VVillard hay mowing making and fetching home for eight 
shilling p load at a seasonable time (viz) in the midle of Jully 



Sergent Parker 
Rich= Blood 
James ffiske 
Tho= Tarball Se 
sergent Lakin 
Rich= holden 



>■ and 



Timothy Allen 
Ellis Barron 
Thomas Smith 
John Morsse 
Joseph gilson 
Pelleg Lawrance 



At the same meeting and by vote declared that Major Willard 
shalbe a fre commoner amongst vs for feed for cattell wood and 
timber 

At a generall tovvne meeting held The 7* of the 9"" month 1672 
It was this day agreed vpon and by vote declared that all Inhabi- 
tans in the towne shalbe seated in the meeting house according to 
a rulle of proportion impartially (by the towne or by a committee 
chussen by the towne) according to their best discretion and the 
seates to be valued and each man to pay according to the seat they 
sit in and they are to place in the seats below in the body of the 
meeting house sixe persons in a seate and to fill vp the first and 
second seat first and to sit fiu persons vnder the window and five 
persons in a seat in the front gallery and eight persons in a seat in 
the east and west gallery — the persons that are first to be seated 
are marled persons and also such single persons as may and ought 
according to a rulle of proportion be seated with them and the 
other young persons to be seated till they haue filled vp all the 
seates that are [33] already builded and all such persons as want 
seates after this done they haue liberty granted to them by the 
towne at the sam meeting to build them themselves or their parents 
for them at their owne cost and charge in such a place or places as 
are thought most meete and convenient by the towne and those 
that are to build them and the towne haue voted to submit to the 
comitees order herein 

and the commitee chussen by the towne at the same time the 
persons are as foUowethe 



Sergent Parker 
Richard Blood 
Joseph Parker 



} James Knop 

Richard Blood r and 

) John Morsse 



42 EARLY RECORDS OF 

At a Generall towne meeting held Nouember 13 1672 It was 
this day agreed vpon and by vote declared that the remainder of 
the pay that is still behind for the building the seates in the meet- 
ing house shalbe raised in a generall way notwithstanding all other 
actes done to the contrary either by towne or commitee 

William Longley seni descenting 

At a meeting of the select men no 13 72 A Towne rate made 
for the defraying of seuerall towne depts and put into the consta- 
bles hand to gather (viz) 

for shuts for the windows of the meeting house 100 
for pay for the coifiitee chussen to se that non Incroach 

vpon the towne common 116 o 

for pay for a woalfes head to John Nutting 010 o 

for taking an Invoyse 030 

And for Timothy Allen 050 

And for expenses for towne and countrey 015 o 

At a Generall town= meeting decem 10 1672 chussen for consta- 
ble for this next year Richard Hoi den 
And for the sellect men 

Major Willard ] f John Page 

James Knop 
John Morsse 



Sergent Parker , 

< ° V and 

William Longley I 

[ James fBske J 



for surueyers Thomas Tarball seni= Nathaniell Lawrance 
for veiwers of fences Joseph Gilson & Jacob Onge 
for to look after swine to se that they be according to order 
James Blood & Joseph morsse [34] 

At a meeting of the sellect men Janevary 10 1672 a committe 
chussen to meet with concord committe chussen by the generall 
court to shew them the south line and the line runing between 
groaten and the new plantation and the nam[es] of the men are 
these 

Sergent Parker = James ffiske 
James Knop 

At a Generall towne meeting held Janevary 13 1672 This day 
agreed vpon and by vot declared that their shalbe a commit chossen 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 43 

for to seat the persons in the meeting house according to their best 
discretion and at the sam time a commitee chosen and their names 
are thess 

Maior Willard ") ( ^ t i • 

/ \ sergent Lakin 

Sergent Parker >• and •< 

T £c 1 \ I Tohn Lakm 

James mske ) I •' 

and at the same meeting it was agitated and voted that all the 
prohibitated land shalbe proportioned and layd out to the several! 
Inhabetants now in beeing proportionable according to what they 
pay in their publik charges as shall apear in mr willards rate only 
Cornelius Church Peleg Lawrance John Cooll and Samuell Scriptur 
are to haue a proportion out of it the surveying of it and the laying 
of it out is commited into the hands of a committe and they ar as 
followeth 

sergent Parker Richard Blood 
and John Lakin 

Agreed vpon at the same meeting that those men that layd out 
the hye wayes shalbe payd 2 — 6 per daye 

At a meeting of the sellect men febr 12 1672 It was this day 
agred vpon that their shalbe three heards the catell shalbe diuided 
into three heards the one Reaching from Matthias ffarnworths and 
so long the neck to James fiskes and along till we come to Pelleg 
Lawrances which heard is to goe out by Indian hill by James 
ffisks and the south side of Rock medow 

The second heard to begin at samuell Woods taking nath = Law- 
rances and thomas smith and to goe along till we come at Thomas 
Williams and William Longley taking in John Lakins and his neigh- 
bors catell and they are to goe out with their heard by Nathaniell 
Lawrances and into vnquetenorset woods by Serg lakins and Wil- 
liam Longleys and Richard bloods 

The third heard to begin at timothy [Coo]pers and along the 
west sid of broad medow to Jonathann Sawtells taking in the catell 
of Richard holden and Justin and they likewise are to goe into 
vnquetenorset woods if the se case [35] These severall angles 
are to hire their heards man if the major part of any company 
agreeing theirto the minor are to submite 

Concerning Swine 
At the same meeting it was ordered to that end our medowes 



44 EARLY RECORDS OF 

and cornfeilds should be preserued from damage it is ordered that 
all swine that goe vpon the common from three year [month intcr- 
lined'\ old and vpward shalbe ringed with two sufificient rings in 
each swines nose well put in and to be ringed by the tenth of 
March and so continue from time to time till the last of September 
and to that end they may be soe we doe furder order that those 
men that are chusen to look after swine shall haue sixepence a swine 
for euery swine that they find vnringed in the tovvne from three 
months old and vpward and mak it apeare legally that he or they 
haue ringed them already according to the intent of this order 

And furder we doe order that if any mans swine in this towne tak 
any mans cornfield beeing legally proued the owners of these swine 
shall forthwith sufficiently secure them by yoking them or shuting 
them vp vpon the penalty of paying double damage after the first 
time of damage beeing done 

At a meeting of the sellect men febr 26 72 Agreed vpon by 
the sellect men that this division of land which is granted by the 
towne to the seuerall Inhabitants shalbe as followeth by proportion 
their shalbe one acre to one shill= disbursement in mr Willards 
Rat and we doe also agree that of this land that was prohibited 
shalbe only Indian hill and the hill behind Nath= Lawrances 

and we doe furder agree that euery Inhabitant shall haue an 
equall proportion in these lands according to disbursements in mr 
Willard rat and for the rest of their proportion shalbe else wheir 
wheir it is most convenient for them either Joyning to their medowes 
or of Oake land on this sid the Riuer 

only Mr Willard shall haue a proportion to a forty shilling dis- 
bursement — the town consenting here to 

Also agreed vpon by the sellect men at the same meeting that all 
such as haue taken in any of the towns land by Incrachment as 
haue bin determined by the commitee chussen for that end they 
shall turne it out to the comon again by the 25 of march next after 
the date heir of vpon the penalty of all charges that they shall put 
the town to for the vindecating their own right 

and a committe chussen for that end to see it done is Sergent 
Lakin Corporall Parker and Daniell Pearsse 

At a meeting of the select men Janeuary 10 1672 a commite 
chussen to meet with concord men chelmesford men and Robert 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 45 

blood to lay out the way to the bay betwene this and the spring 
wheir it is most passable and the commite are maior willard sergent 
parker James knop The maior hauing not tim to atend it Richard 
Blood is chussen by the towne in his roume at a towne meeting 
march 17 72-73 [36] 

At a Generall towne meeting held March 7 1672-73 It was this 
day agreed vpon and by vote declared that diuisions of land 
sharD[e] acording to our first grants that all publik charges from 
this day forward shalbe raised in that way according to the com- 
mites order and our first se.iuen years payment 
.Richard Blood and William Longley senior descenting 
Also agreed vpon and by vote declared that these seuerall psels 
of land here specified shall from hence forward lye comon 

1 A peice of coition land about the meeting house Bounded by 
John Nuting Samuell Kemp James Roberson Timothy cooper Wal- 
ter Skinner and the hye way 

2 A swamp that lye by John Longley Bounded by the land of 
William Longley se= Richard Blood John Page and Lanchester hye 
way 

3 A peice of land that lye Bounded by Samuell Woods Broad 
medow Richard Sawtell and the Bay hye way 

4 All the Swamp that lye Bounded by Joseph Gilson Timothy 
Allen William Lakin and y'^ Bridge that Run to halfe nioone 
medow 

These last four votes appear to be a repetition of what was 
done at the town meeting, held February 13, 1670. 

At a meeting of the sellect men Wheiras by the prouidence of 
god the Goodwife Onge beeing in a sad condition and her case 
requiring constant care and Inspection with present charge and 
wheras the select men in whose care it lyes liuing remote and hard 
on all ocasions to be caled together theirfor we doe desire and im- 
powre Sergent parker and James ffiske as a commitee to Inspect 
and tak care vpon nesisary ocasions of the woman and her child 
and in case more then ordinary herein they are to acquaint the rest 
of the select men that so this sade prouidence of god may bee 
caryed on with Christianity and as much ffrugalitye as may be for 
the towns ease 

This 5"": 4"^ mo 1673 



46 EARLY RECORDS OF 

At a meeting of the ssellect men may 28 73 Sergent Parker and 
corperall knop wer chussen a comitte to meet with lancaster men 
for the altering the high way to lancaster [37] 

Wedensday 4 of June 1673 fforasmuch as the countrey hye 
way as it was formerly layd out by Lankaster and groaten vpon 
seuerall yeares trial), proued to be very insufificient and very difucult 
to be made passable in regard it was for the most part lyeing in 
the Intervailes wheirin their are seuerall soft places and litle 
brookes vpon which bridges and other mater for making the same 
passable is apt to be raised and torne vp by floods and vpon 
experiance of the same Lancaster made aplication to groaten for 
Remouing of the said way to Run more vpon the vjDland which 
was Readily atended and John Prescott seni= and Roger Sumner 
for Lancaster and sergent Parker and corperall Knop for groaten 
wer chuse committe by both to townes to lay out the said hye way 
as aforsaid which was atended the day aforsaid as follovveth (viz) 
first within the bounds of groaten they toke their begining at their 
meeting house to the mille of Jonas Prescott by Matthias fifam- 
worths his house six Rods wide turning of out of the common mill 
way near twenty Rod aboue the mille and then it Runs 4 Rode wid 
through the land of the aforsaid Jonas Prescott acording as it is 
described by trees marked by the men aforesaid and from the said 
Jonas Prescotts land to penicooke Riuer in Lancaster through swan 
swamp 6 Rod wide as it is already marked out by the coniitte 
aforsaid and from the way aforsaid butting vpon Penicook near to 
the night pasture wading place, they tak the way as it is left in 
width through the Intervayle and ouer nashavvay bridge and soe to 
the meeting house and as it is to be vnderstood that the way within 
lancaster bounds Runes neare the mideway betweene the brook 
medow and plumtrees medowes ouer a hill called Mahaneknits hill 
and soe along on the vpland to the pond path as it Runes near to 
the Still Riuer medow and Josiah Whits medow vntill it come to 
the Swan Swamp path as aforsaid and to the confirmation hereof 
the comitte aforesaid haue here vnto put their hands the day and 

year aboue said 

John Prescott 
Roger Sumner 
James Parker 
James Knop 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 47 

The Twenty shillings due to andrew the Indian from the towne 
for his warre at stdnny brook assigned by the sd Indian to Richard 
Blood the sd Richard Blood assigne it ouer to Leiftennant James 
parker 

At a towne meeting no 19 1673 By the agrement of the towne 
Jonas Prescot is to grind the towns corne for the towne euery 
second day and euery sixth day in euery weeke [38] 

At a Generall Towne meeting held no: 19 1673 This day agreed 
vpon and by vote declared that Mr Willard rat shalbe raised ptly by 
vissible estat and partly by accomodations whatsoeuer votes hau 
past formerly to the contrary as also it was agreed vpon that euery 
man hence forward shall haue their draughts of land according to 
their disbursements and those y' haue them not shall haue them 
mad vp and that he shall haue eighty pound for this present yeare 
and a fourth part of this payment to be payd in money and the 
other sixty pound to be payd in all sorts of graine at price currant 
as the court haue determined and in prouision — and ten pound for 
his firewood which is to be payd in by tim prefifixd and if not then 
to pay their proportion in corne or prouision and also agreed vpon 
that this twenty pound in money is to be payd in to Cap' Parker 
and to Richard Blood by th last of August or the first of septem- 
next — as also henceforward he shall haue a quarter of his payment 
in money yearly 

At a Town meeting nouem= 24 1673 Graunted vnto Alexander 
Rousse by the Towne ten acres of vpland 

At a Generall Town metting December 10 1673 

ffor constable William Longley Seni 

ifor Select men 

Major Willard ] j^,^^ ^orss 

Capt parker I , o 1 

f; , . > and Serg knop 

Leif Lakin 

Serg ffisk J Jo^^" P^ge 

fFor Surveyers 

( Richard holden ) , Serg Lakin 

< }■ and ^ 

( John Page ) John nutting Se 



48 EARLY RECORDS OF 

ffor veiwers of fences 

Corperall Cady Joseph Morse Timothy Allen Justin holden 

ffor to look after swine that they be according to law and towne 
order Jonathan Sawtell Saniuell Kemp 

At the same meeting their was a finall agreement betweene the 
towne and Saniuell Davis concerning the differance that was about 
his lands that is to say thus that samuell Davis hau Ingaged to rest 
satisfied and mak noe more disturbance about his lands prouided 
the bounds doe continue as they were befor they were defaced by 
the last committe to wit Richard blood and John pag and that he 
doe Inioy those three psells of land in the generall feild in the 
south squadron of lots namely that which was John Nutting and 
James Knops and Thomas Tarballs seni and simon stones that he 
had of captain parker and that samuell Dauis is to shew the com- 
mite the markes of these lots the last specified and they are to 
renew them and this being done samuell Dauis doe acknowledge 
[himjselfe fully satisfied for all diuision [of] lands that was due to 
him from the begining of the towne to this present [39] 

and now we doe agree to giu him a Record of his lande 

Samuell Dauis — 
John Morsse in the name of the towme 

At the same meeting Timothy Alen was agred withall by the 
towne to swep the meeting house for the year following for twenty 
shil 

Decem 13 73 The Towne committe Iiaue condescended vpon 
Samuell Dauises request to enterchang two psells of land specified 
in the former agrement to wit that which he had of Thomas Tarball 
senior and simon stone and they are to be Joyned to the south sid 
of the line of that diuision of land lyeing by his house from the hye 
way on the east sid soe downe to the River 



Samuell Dauis 



John Morse dark 
William Longley 
John Page 
Richard holden 

marke R 
Justin houldin 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 49 

At a meeting of the sellect men Janeva 13 1673 It was then 
agreed vpon and by vot declared that all such towne hye wayes 
regulerly layd out and marked out with the townes marke all the 
wood and timber vpon these hye wayes soe marked from halfe a 
foote and vpward at the Stub walnut trees and pine trees only 
exempted shalbe reserued for mending of hye wayes and other 
publik work and that noe man shall ffell any such tree or trees 
vpon the penalty of ten shillings a tree 

It is furder agreed vpon that that order concerning swine bearing 
date the year 69 shall stand for this present yeare 

And to the end that each Inhabitant of this towne may Injoy the 
benefit of his own medow and prevent censuring of and beeing 
troubled each with others for the eating vp each others medows we 
doe order that if any of our Inhabitants shall haue nead to let their 
catell goe out to feed befor their be grasse vpon the vpland that 
they shall keep thein vpon their owne medows or any of the towns 
coiSon and not vpon any mans medow that is in propriety without 
their leaue who is the proprietors their of vpon the penalty of pay- 
ing sixepence a beast euery time that any catell be found vpon any 
mans medow either vnder the hand of a keeper or otherwise and 
this to continue till the later end of haytime 

for bearding of Cattell the agreement of the sellect men it is that 
the catell in the towne shalbe diuided into three beards as it was 
the last yeare and what euer the maior pt of any company agree 
vpon the minor part is to consent theirto 

At a generall towne meeting held Janevary 16 1673 At the 
same meeting William Longley seni was fred and Jonathan Morss 
was chussen constable [40] 

At the same meeting Cap* Parker Leiftenant Lakin and Serg 
Knop were chussen for a commitee to lay out the diuisions of land 
on the other sid of the Riuer both of vpland and Enteruaill to euery 
man their proportions and to butt it and bound it ssufificiently and 
to mark it so as they may. see from mark to marke and they are to 
haue for their labour one half penny an acre for the vpland and 
one penny half penny for the enteruaille 

At a Generall Towne meeting held December 11 1674 William 
Longley sene chusen constable for the year ensueing 

capt Parker serge fifisk serge Knop ensine Lawrance Matthias 
ffarnworth serge Lakin John Morsse chussen for sellect men 



50 EARLY RECORDS OF 

John Morsse chussen Towne Clark 

Chussen for ssurveyers Thomas Tarbell sen and Samuell woods 

for veiwers of fences John Nutting sene and William Greene 

At a Generall Towne meeting decern 21 74 Granted to William 
Longley ju= that he shall haue liberty to fell those trees that stand 
by his fence shading his corn to the sume of 3 or 4 and tha he will 
giu the Towne as many trees for mending hye way worke 

A Rate made for the countrey treasurer 

the sume containing 14 — 10 — o 

and commited into the constable Jonathan Morses his hand to 
gather and to giu an account of the principle and how he discharged 
the bills to the sellect men to bring an acquitance 1674 

A Rat made for the county treasurer the sume containing 4 — i — 5 
and commited into the hands of the constable William Longley 
se= to gather and to return the rest of the pay back again to the 
towne 

Captain Parker payd ten pound the barell of powder 
discharging Timothy Allen — i — o — o 

for sweeping the meeting house and his own bill discharged at a 
meeting of the sellect men 30 10 m°— 1674 

At a meetting of the sellect men febr 11 74 for hearding of cat- 
tell It was then agred vpon that euery Inhabitant shall heard their 
catell that is to heard according to law and that they shalbe diuided 
into three heards 

The first heard beginning at Samvell Woods reaching to William 
Longley and to serg Lakin and his neighbours taking in Nathaniell 
bloo[d] with the rest of those that Hue their with Ensigne Law- 
rance and Thomas Smith 

The second heard begining at Sergent fifiske and driuing out by 
Pelleg Lawrance taking in cattell belonging to the neck to matthias 
ffarnworth taking in the catell of John Barron 

The third heard to begine at Timothy Cooper and along the west 
side of Broad medo[w] to Jonathan sawtell takin in the catell [of] 
Richard holden and Justin [41] and that these seuerall angles 
shall heard prouided they doe their best endeavour to hire a heards- 
man and in case they cannot hire a heardman for 12 shill p week 
that company is at their liberty whither they will heard or how pro- 
uided their cattell doe not exceed abou a 100 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 5"I 

At a meeting of the Sellect men febr 22 74 concerning swine 
It was then agreed vpon that the same order that was made in the 
year 69 shall stand for this present year 

At the same meetting at the request of Matthias ffarnworth thir 
was a committe chussen to veiw a piece of land that he desire by 
way of exchaung with the towne or otherwis that may be for his 
convenience and to bring the report to the towne and the land lye 
from the Bridg by his own house along his own land to Justin 
holdens land on both sids James Brook and he is to satisfie the 
committe for their paynes if they desir any thing 

and the names of the committe are sergent Knop Thomas Tar- 
ball sen= Benjamin Crispe Ellis Barron se= Daniell Pearse 

as also It is agreed vpon that noe man shall put away any of 
their catell from any of these seuerall companyes as they are now 
stated by the sellect men vntill they haue done their best endeavour 
to hire a heardsman as before for twelue shill p week vpon penalty 
of paying the full prise as the rest of their neighbours for specya 
and tim 

At a Towne meeting March 3 74-75 granted vnto Nicolas Cady a 
small peice of land by way of exchaung at brown loaf plaine ad- 
joyning to his owne land y^ he had of Captain parker for a peice of 
land the same quantyty at browne loaf medow 

At the same meeting graunted to Thomas Smith a peice of land 
of forty poll by way of exchaunge below his house adjoyning to his 
own land in the corner next to Samuell Woods and William 
Greenes land 

At a meeting of the sellect men march 3 1674-75 chusen Captain 
Parker serg Knop and Justin holden to renew the bounds between 
moshobo and our bounds And also chusen to lay out a hye way 
betweene Dunstable and this Towne captain Parker and serg 
Knop 

At a meeting of the sellect men Jully 2 Jully 22 75 a rat made 
for the defraying of the charg of the ware and put in to the hand 
of William Longley constable to gather the sume 23! 14! 4 added 
7 shill more than the Just proportion [42] 

At a Generall Town meeting held October 20 1675 Agreed 
vpon and by vote declared that our Reuerand Pastor shall haue 



52 EARLY RECORDS OF 

eighty pound for this present year sixty 1 in Corne and prwisi[ons] 
forty pound of it to be payd betwixt this and y' twenty fiue of 
December next ensueing and the other 20I to be payd in the spring 
of the yeare vnlesse god by some special! prouidence Doe preuent 
and the other 20I to be payd in money the last of august or the 
first of September in the year 1676 

and 40 cord of wood to be proportioned according to euery mans 
proportion to be caryed in now pressently 

At a Generall Towne meeting held no= 8 1675 It was this day 
agreed vpon and by vote declared that their should be a committe 
chussen to treat with Mr Willard about sending down to the gen- 
erall court to Enforme and supplicat to them that we may haue 
payd to vs what is our due from the countrey and also that the 
Billit of the souldiers may be vpon the countreys account and also 
agreed vpon that if this would not doe for to stand it out at law 
with them 

and the commitee chussen was Cap' Parker Leiftenant Lakin 
William Longley seni:. John Page 

At a Generall Towne meeting held Decem 9 75 It was this day 
agreed vpon and by vot declared that the soldiers that are still re- 
maining in the town shalbe continued in the towne at the town 
charg till such tim as we hear a returne from the army goei[ng] 
against the naroganset and then the towne to meet againe to con- 
sider what is furder to be done 

At a Generall Towne meeting held Dec 10 1675 Chussen for 
constable for that yeare following William Greene 

for sellect men Cap' Parker : Leiftenant Lakin William Longley 
scr Serg' ffisk John Morsse 

for surueyers Thomas Tarball sen= Samuell Woods 

for veiwers of fifences John nutting sen= Corporall Cady [43] 

This is the last record of any meeting held before the de- 
struction of the town by the Indians, March 13, 1676. The 
inhabitants then were compelled to forsake their homes, and 
did not return until the spring of 1678. 

At a generall town metting of the inhabitants of groaton warned 
by Captin Parcer leftenant lacin insine lorranc and Goodman 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 53 

morse and asembled at Concord the (12''') of the (10*) munth : 
iSjj : Such as wear present did then and thear agree that if the 
prouidenc of god preuent not by death or sicknes or by the Enimy 
that then we will goo vp in the spring follooing and begin to Re- 
payer our habitations againe if god parmitt and for ye true pur- 
phormanc of this agrement we doe ingeage the forfiture of our 
wholle Right in groaton unto those that doo goe vp and cary on the 
work and to this agrement we heaue hear sett to our hands 

James Parker sen 
Richard Blood 
William Lakin 
nathannil lawrence 
Jonathan Sawtell 
John Morsse 
James Knap 
Samuell Wood 

his L— mark 
Nathanell blud 

his ^ mark 
Thomas Tarball 
John tarbell 
John Parish 
Peleg Lorranc 

Voatted that all publick charges for this present year insuing 
shall be Raysed vppon the furst deuision of land : grantted or 
acomidation of lands : 

chosen to warn a town metting goodman blud leftenant lakin 
sargent knop Insine lorranc & thomas tarball Seneyer this met- 
ting to be the furst thuseday in marche and this metting . . . town 
offisers to nominat . . . other publick charges this metting to be 
at groaten [44] 

The meeting mentioned in the following entry was undoubt- 
edly the first one that was held subsequently to the return of 
the inhabitants after the destruction of the town. It was 
probably on "the furst thuseday in marche," 1677-8, which 
day fell on the fifth of the month. The record is signed with 
the name of James Parker, senior, though neither the record 



54 - EARLY RECORDS OF 

nor the signature are in his handwriting. There is some 
resemblance, however, between it and that of his son, Josiah, 
who, a few years later, was the town clerk. 

\_Daie torn offT^ 

At a general towne meeting of the inhabitants of Gro[ton] warned 
we did then and thar agre and by desair that the publick charges 
should be raised for this present year upon the furst deuishan of 
medow and in whaus handes soeuer y^ furst deuishan shall apeer to 
be he or thay shall pay y'^ charges that dus arise upon them 

Jonathan Morses desent 

That pees of land that lyes betwen Samuell Wodes land and the 

high way y' goes to y^ bay and the highway that gos to sargant 

knapes end is granted to Jonas prescot or his brother Jonathan 

prescot prouided ether of them come and buld and liue up on it 

betwen this and next winter and ther is to be a cart way in it to 

broad medow : 

James Parker sen. 

in the name of the select men. [45] 

James Parker, the seventh town clerk, was one of the orig- 
inal proprietors of Groton and a distinguished man in his day. 
He held the office during 1678 — the year of the return of 
the inhabitants who had been driven off by the Indians — and 
1679. A petition, dated May 20, 1679, is found at the State 
House, among the Massachusetts Archives (lxix. 224), 
which is signed by him as town clerk, though his election 
does not appear in the records. He was one of the first board 
of selectmen chosen by the inhabitants, at which time he is 
called Deacon ; subsequently he is styled Sergeant and after- 
wards Captain. His house lot lay on both sides of the prin- 
cipal street in the village, just south of the small stream which 
to this day is called James's Brook, named after him. The 
house was one of the garrisons during King Philip's War, and 
it was with Captain Parker that the Indian chief, on the night 
of March 13, 1676, talked, as mentioned in Hubbard's "Nar- 
rative." In advanced life he married for the second time, and 
had a daughter born after he was eighty years old. He died 
in 1701, aged about eighty- four years, leaving a will dated 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 55 

May 25, 1700, in which he mentions a large number of chil- 
dren and grandchildren, after providing for the daughter of 
his old age. 

The following names of the original proprietors of Groton 
are found on a loose leaf, and appear to be in the handwriting 
of the person who made the records for James Parker, given 
on the preceding page. For that reason the list is printed in 
this place. The figures indicate the number of acre-rights 
owned by each individual : 

The furst Grant of euery man in this town 
Cap' James Parker 050 



Willam Marting 


20 


Sargunt Lacken 


20 


:' Willam Lacken 


20 


Robard Blood 


20 


Richard Blood 


60 


James Blood 


20 


Joseph Blood 


10 


Thimothey Alen 


20 


John Page 


20 


Willam Longely sener 


30 


John Longly 


10 


Sara Danes 


20 


Mat farnneth sener 


20 


Thomas tarball sener 


20 


Richard satall 


20 


James fiske 


20 


John Lawranc 


20 


M' Willard 


20 


Richard holding 


18 


Simon Stone 


18 


John Nutting 


17 


James Knop 


15 


John Clarey 


15 


Ralph Read 


IS 


Elas baran 


15 


Joseph Parker 


20 



$6 EARLY RECORDS OF 



John Mors 


12 


Nathanell Lawranc 


lO 


Danell Pearce 


lO 


Willam green 


14 


Samuell Wods 


II 


Thomas Boyeden 


07 


John Baran 


07 


James Robson 


07 


Ben garfell 


10 


Christephor hall 


10 


Joseph Morse 


OS 


Willam Elue 


05 


Jonathan Satall 


05 


Jonathan Crisp 


08 


Joshua Whitney- 


08 


Jacob Onge 


06 


Thomas Tarbull Juner 


06 


Joseph lawranc 


05 


John Paresh 


OS 


Joseph gilson 


09 


Water Seiner 


09 


Thomas Willams 


OS 


Just holding 


07 


Zachariah SatuU 


10 



groton the. 4. 6. mo""] 1679 ^^ ^ meeting of y* select men thay 
deed agree that all the swine in shall be yoked from this time to 
the last of Sabtember next y"* are to be yoked, by ye tweluet of 
this month, and Joseph parker sen and willam longly Juner are 
choues to see y' swine are sofishantly yoked by the time & if y* 
find them unyoked y* are to yoke them and to haue six penc a 
swine for yoken them to be payed by the oners of y" swine 

at the same meeting the select men chouesen willam green and 
samuell woods to uiew y^ fences in the towene to see whether thay 
are sofishant acording to towene order y' is a sofishant fiue raile 
fenc or y' which is equelint and thay shall be payed acording to 
law [46] 

Desember — the 11 — 79 att a towne meting in groto[ri] it was 
agreed for the yeare insuing provided that the towne due bilde a 
meting house then fiftie pounds for this yeare 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 57 

At a towne meting the 23 Desembr the select Chosen Captayne 
parker leiutenant lakin sargin lakin ensgne larrence sargin knop 
Richard blud John Mos he being the towne Clarke 

December the 30 Att a towne meting was granted to Jonas 
prescat six accors of land liing betwene matthias and Justin houl- 
den he being liable from this time forward to pay for a ten acors 
acomedations 

This is to testifie that I Jonas prescot of groton haue Changed 
this granted land with matthias farnorth of The same towne for 
sicth accors and a quarter more or less ling vpon the Indian hill 
over against Thomas boyden 

The entries from December 11 are in Richard Blood's 
handwriting. 

John Morse, the sixth town clerk, was also the eighth in the 
order of succession, holding the office during the years 1680 
and 1 68 1. 

At a towne meeting Jun 8. 80 it was agred that that meeting 
vpon december 30 it was noe town meeting 

At a generall Town meeting held June 8 1680 It was this day 
declared and by a majer part by vot declared that the meeting 
house shall stand wheir the other meeting house or some wheir 
their about. 

It was also the same day and at the same time voted that the 
meeting house shall stand some wheir betwene M"' hubards house 
and the Brook by the Captains 

At the same meeting chusen for surveyors 

Nicolas Cady William Green 

Jonas Prescot John Parish 

for viewers of fences 

Samuell Woods John Barron 

At a Generall Town meeting held Jun 8 1680 At the same 
meeting was giuen to Thomas Beall of linn tanner ten acres of 
land by the town prouided he come and liue among them and 
he not alienating nor selling it 



58 EARLY RECORDS OF 

At the same meeting was giuen to Joshua Wheat the same priui- 
ledg that was giuen to Thomas Smith (viz.) that he shall hau a 
quarter of an acre on this sid the run Joyning to his own line 

A small slip of land granted to William Longley juni : of about 
20 poll of land adjoyning to his owne land bounded by the hye 
way: 

A small slip of land granted by the towne to Samvell holden of 
about forty or fifty poll Bounded by a whit Oak tre which stand by 
the hye way sid and soe Run along by the hye way till it com to a 
heap of Burches about 2 poll from that which is our proper mark a 
walnut tree [47] 

June 15 1680 on a training day Granted vnto Jonas Prescot 
that hee should tak vp a peice of land at stony Brook in referance 
to the siting vp of a mill their and he is to tak it vp on the right 
hand of the Bay path adjoyning to the pond and he is not to com 
over the path and he is to run from Chelmesford lin to the lin of 
Serg' Knop and so much as he tak vp their he is to lay down as 
much again at one of the ends of his land that lye wheir the mill 
now standeth 2 acres for one at stony Brook and he is to be at the 
charg of taking vp and laying downe of the one and of the other 

At a meeting of the select men noumbr i 1680 John Pag and 
John Morsse chussen to tak the enuoys of the towne [48] 

ID of the 10"' m" 1680 for 81 At a generall towne meetting held 
ffor constables chussen 

Jonas Prescott William Longley 
ffor sellect men for the year ensuing 

Ensigne Lawrance John Morss Jonathan Morsse 
Jonas Prescott serg Knop William Greene Joshua Whitney 
ffor Town dark Jn° Morsse 
ffor Clark of the writes 

ffor Sealler of weights and measurs Jonathan Sawtell 
ffor Survyers for this yeare 

Henry Willard and Samuell Woods 
ffor veiwers of fences and to see that swine bee ringed and yoked 
John Nutting and Obadia Sawtell 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 59 

A committe chussen to veiw and to giue Instructions to the 
ssellect men to act in town affaires, which men are Capt Parker 
Richard Blood Leiftenant Lakin Serg' Lakin John Page 

ffor Tithing men John Pag Henry Willard James Parker ju : 
John Barron sworne 22 10 m° 80 

At the sam meeting it was agred vpon by the town that they will 
giu to M"' Huberd seaventy pound for this year ensueing and to 
pay him in corn Indian wheat Rye barley at price curant as the 
Court stat it and in other prouission as god blesse vs withall and 
30 cord of wood to be proportioned by the sellect men according 
to euery mans proportion to be payd by the first of March and hee 
that doe not pay him by that tim he is to pay him 6^ p cord in 
Indian corne and that euery man is to pay him the first part of 
his maintenanc within the first half year and the other half within 
the yeare 

At a town meeting held 22 of the 10 m° 1680 It was then by 
vote declared that they will giu to Mr hubert for this present year 
fifty pound and a quarter part of it in money 

At the same meeting it was agreed vpon and by vote declared 
that the differanc concerni the meeting housse should be refferd 
into the hands of thes twelv men viz cap* parker Richard blood 
leift lakin Ensign lawranc sergt lakin serg Knop John Pag Jonas 
Prescot John Morsse Joshua Whitney William green Jonathan 
Morss and in cass these twelue men cafiot agree they liau full 
power to chuse a committe to put a finall conclusion to Issue the 
debat forthwith [49] 

An addition to the former Instructions giuen by the committee 
chussen by the town in the year 1680 10 of the 10 m" 

I That the ssellect men shall tak a prudent and spedy coursse 
that the meeting housse worke shall goe on and to that end they stir 
vp the constable y' he collect the pay that it be in a readyness to 
pay the workmen for their work according to couenant made with 
them : and that they let out the rest of the work so as it may be 
most for the aduantage of the town and the meeting house beeing 
finished in y*" place wheir now it standeth the ssellect men are to 
giu an account to the town at their years end of their receipt of 
rates and the Improument of their disbursments 



60 EARLY RECORDS OF 

2 Morouer they ar to tak an account of the constabl y*" rates that 
are commited to them of their Improument and disbursments and 
that the ouerplust if any it may be Improued to the towns aduan- 
tag 

3 ffurther mor when their is an occasion for a towne meeting the 
ssellect men are to gin seasonabl warning of it and the seuerall 
perticulers that are to be discoursed of that day and if their be an 
envoyse to be taken the seuerall Inhabitants are to bring it in that 
day either by bill or som other muney and if any person neglect 
the sam they must expect to be rated by will and doome 

4 And what euer rates that are to be transmited from the ssellect 
men to the constables each mans estat shalbe transcribed on the 
one sid and their sum on the other 

5 And what euer mistakes in any mans Rate that doe apear 
heartofor they are to be amended in the next rates 

6 And what euer deffect or mistake that doe apear in any thing 
that doe concerne the meeting hous they shall endeavour to amend 
and rec'' the sam 

7 And that all rules henc forward that are mad by the sellect 
men shalbe set down in the town book with their sumes 

7 The ssellect men shall se that the Rates referring for the tim 
past made for the defraying of M' Huberds sallery shalbe cleared 
and a generall acquitance taken of M' Huberd for the same and 
that it be recorded in the town Book and so from year to yeare the 
lik car shalbe taken by the ssellect men 

8 That the ssellet men shall take care that noe trashant person or 
persons coming in to this towne may abid so long in the towne 
without warning as that continuing may not becom a charg to the 
towne 

ID That the ssellect men doe what they can to healle the differ- 
ences that are in the towne in their managing the prudentiall aff"airs 
of the town and doe no thing to Increasse and augment the same 

James Parker : 
Richard Blood 
William Lakin 
John Lakin 
John Page [50] 

It was agreed vpon by the towne that Pelleg Lawranc shall pay 
to a fine acre right from the day it was granted and henceforward 
decern. 22 1680 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 6l 

Also at the same tim granted that he shall hau an addition of an 
acre and halfe right 

It was agred vpon and by vote declared that whateuer votes hau 
formerly past that they shalbe of non effect now they will for this 
present year giia to Mr Huberd fifty iiu pound a quarter part of it 
money 

Also agreed vpon and voted that hee shall haue 30 Cord of wood 
for this present yeare 

The 24 of the 10 m" — 16S0 The committe chussen by the towne 
to end the differanc that was in the town referrins: to the meeting: 
house whose names are in the town book haue agreed as followeth 

I That we doe forgiue each other wheirin we haue qeen Instru- 
mintall of greiuing each other in word or deed referring to the dif- 
ferance and that for the tim to com we will doe what vve can to 
promote and increase lou and doe nothing to break the peace now 
mad reffering to our agrement about the standing 2 and goe- 
ing on to finish the meeting house in the place wheir now it 
standeth and indeuvor to satisfie silence all our Inhabitants 

That the persons that drew the timber for the meeting house 
from doeing it without order shall haue nothing for their work vn. 
less particuler men will alow them any thing on their own good 
will 

3 That thos that raised the meeting house shall bear their own 
cost a charg both for tim and prouision 

4 That the wholl towne shall goe on joyntly to gether to finish 
the meeting hous with all convenient speed without any regret or 
reflexion one vpon another in the place wheir now it standeth 

At a meeting of the sellect men febr 8. 1680 for bearding of 
cattell 

It is ordered by the sellect men that all the neat Catell from one 
year old and vpward shalbe bearded in these heard as followeth 

The first heard begining at Ensigne Lawrances and so tak in 
Samuell Woods and James Roberson and Richard Bloods and all 
the Cattell within this Rang this heard is to goe out three dayes in 
the week by William Longleys or wheir the company of the heard 
shall agree and three dayes in the week from Richard Bloods end 
to Ensigne Lawrances and so into the woods Richard Blood is to 
bring his catell and James Roberson and others that Hue out of the 



62 EARLY RECORDS OF 

rood of the heard into the way wheir the heard is agreed vpon to 
goe out the major part of the heardurs agreeing 

The second heard begining at Matthis iifaniworthe and so driu 
to Jonas Prescots and John Barron is to bring his Cattell to tlie 
Bridg by Ellis Barrons this heard is to goe out by Pelleg Law- 
rances and so all the catell in this rang and this heard is to goe out 
three dayes in the week by Pelleg Lawrance driuing from Matthias 
ffarnworths and three dayes in the week by Matthias ffarnworth 
driuing from Pelleg Lawrance 

The third heard is to tak in all the catell on the west sid of 
Broad medow begining at Samuell Kemps and all the Rang of 
catell to Justin Holden and Samuell Dauis so driuing out by James 
Brok [51] 

And It is ordered that all those that refus [to] heard mth the 
coinons of that heard he belong to shall pay an equall proportion 
with thos that heard in that heard 

ffor the preuenting of damag doing by swine 1680 febr 8 It is 
ordered by the sellect men that all swin from three months old 
and vpward shalbe sufficiently Ringed in the nose from the first 
of aprill till the last of nouember and the owners of them shall 
keep them thus Ringed the whoU tim and if any person be deffec- 
tiu in not keeping this order their shalbe sixe pence leiued vpon 
euery swin soe often as they be found deffectiu and those men which 
are chosen to see that swine be according to this order shall hau 
halfe of the fine halfe to thes men and halfe to the townes vse 

It is furder orderd that all swine shalbe sufficiently yoked from 
the last of aprill till the last of September and thos persons who 
are to se to this order finding any swine within the habitable parts 
of the towne without yok shall haue sixe pence halfe shall returne 
to the vse of the towne and the other halfe to the ouerseers and 
they must giu the owners of the swine seasonable warning 

It is furder ordered by the select men that all fence shalbe set vp 
by the fifteene day of aprill a sufficient fence of fine Raills or ae- 
quivolent to it sufficiently done and those persons which are to se to 
the performance of this order which shall find any fence Insuffi- 
cient and not according to this order they shall giue the owners of 
the fence sufficient warning to pay or mak vp this fence and and if 
the owners refuse they are to mend vp the fence at their owne charg 
and exact double pay vpon the owners of the fence 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 63 

A Rat mad for the meeting house frame and truly cast vp by the 
sellect men and the Just sume is 32 14 8 

The town Rat beeing truly cast vp by 
the sellect men to pay for wolues heads 

the sume is 864 

The Towne rat for the powder and 
ammunetion beeing truly cast vp by the sellect men 

and the sum is 10 8 8 

A Rat made for Mr Hoberd for the year 1679 
beeing truly cast vp by the sellect men 

and the Just sum is 51 11 11 

A Rat made for Mr huberd for the year 1680 
beeing truly cast vp by the sellect men 

and the Just sum is 50 12 4 

A Rate made by the sellect men for couering 
the meeting house Roof and sides windows dores 
stairs and Pulpit and the Just sum is 44 2 5 

[52] 

At a general! Town meeting febr 18 1680 It was then agreed 
vpon and voted that the old Commitee chusen shold perfect their 
work in laying out the hye way to Concord 

At the same meeting it was voted that the town would haue the 
southeast line against Meshobee Run and they would bear the 
charges and haue all the profit 

At the same meet'ng it was agreed vpon and voted that M' Hub- 
berd should haue all the coiTion which was capable to mak medow 
in swan pond medow vp to the vpland for seauen acre and a halfe 
for to mak vp his fifteen acres of medow 

1 68 1 25 d I m the seleckt men did ordr Jonathan satell con- 
stibll too pay Richard blood fiften shilings and sixpens for wolfs 

This datt is payd [//z Blood'' s ha?idivnting.~\ 

At a generall town meeting at Groton June 13'^ 1681 Then 
granted to Jonas Prescot liberty to set vp his Corne mill at stony 
Brook on the sid next Concord in any place betweene the spring 
and the Bridg and to haue liberty to mak vse of soe much and noe 
more of the water as may sufficiently serue for the sayd mill pro- 
uided that what damag theirby may be to the towne high way the 
sayd Jonas Prescot shall at his owne charg constantly make good 

[53] 



64 EARLY RECORDS OF 

Owing to the want of chronological arrangement in making 
the entries, the paging of the record-book after this place will 
not be indicated within brackets. 

in groten i6 June 1681 thar is layed out for Palig Loranc and 
ajoyning too and bounding upon the south by swan pond medow 
Eleuen acers and a half lauing Rome Round his medow acordin 
too Town order and bounded upon other sids by the Coinon 

allso 8 ayte ackers and a halfe a litll distant northword and 
bounded on all sides by comon land the lins being extant by marked 
trees and stackes 

thes too parsils of land ware layd out by me John fflint 

Recorded by me John Mors Clarke 

This aboue written of Peleg Lawrances land by Agreement is by 
Peleg Laurance relinquished & yeild to M' Hobart : March 8'" 
16854 in y*" presence of y"" select men 

At a generall town meeting at groton Nouembr 14 dy 1681 
Then agreed upon and uotid that all bublick chargis shall be leuied 
upon all uisibell Estat Catill acording too law and all land shall 
be Estemed and Ratid after the udowation of a hundrid pounds 
for a twenty ackres acomidayon and all lands shall pay in hos hands 
thay shall be found acording too this purporsion 

at the same meting it was then agred upon and uotid that thar 
shall be land sould for the finishin of the meting house and for the 
procuring of glas and nayls furst 

Captin Parker Leftenant Lackins Sargant Knop was chosin 
comity for the salle of this land 

at the sam toowne meting 1681 it was grantid and uotid that 
Nickloas huckin shall haue tenn ackers of land which was formirly 
giuen too Tomos wad [Wood ?] 

at the sam meting it was grantid that Jams Parkr mit liaue a 
strayt Linn by his hous aioyning too the country Rode 

at a ginnrall Town meting of groton desember 12 d 1681 

flfor constibls heniry Willard and Joshawy Whitny 

for tythin men John lackins Insin Lorins sargin Kncp Jonathan 

morse 

for seleckt men Captin Parker Leftenint Lackins John Page 

sargant Knop sargin Lackins sargin fifisk Richard Blood 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 65 

the comity chosin toogiue in struckyons to the seleckt men Insin 
lorinc Jonas Preskod Jonathan Mors Willam Longly heniry Willard 

Comishinurs too iud small casis in Toown acordin too law Captin 
Parkr Leftenint Lackin Insin Lorins 

suruaierse for the hi waies Johnethen Satel Josep larense Wilyam 
longly peleg larurnz 

to ueue the fancese and lok after the swine nicklus huchins Sam 
Scriptur James nuting Enosh larrans 

The last two paragraphs are in the handwriting of Captain 
James Parker. 

ffor an adision too former instruckyonsgiuen by the comity chosin 
by the toown 12 d 10 m 1681 that the seleckt men are to tack 
Measures for too call the comity too an acount which was chosin 
too seell land for too finish the metin hous thay shall tack an 
acount of them of the land they have soolld and too hom and for 
how much and for what pay and how thay have desposed of the 
pay and entr it in too the tooun Book and give a tru acount too 
the toown 

2 they are too tack car that there be a cooU or colleg of larning 
of children the inglish tung too Red 

3 that by rasin of the com playnt of seuerall in habid the seleckt 
men are too se and tack spesill car that Jonas Prescod doo full fill 
his agrement with the town 

Insin Lorinc Willam longly 

henire Willird Jonathan Morss 

The following "rate" is in James Parker's handwriting 
and very hard to read. 



a Rate mad for 


mr hubrd of 


55 


poundse shels 


pans 






30 of the ID 8 


1 












Capten Parkr 


232 




John mose 


I 


I 




insin lorense 


I 9 7 




Adom Gold 





9 




Jams blod 


I 9 10 




widow longly 


I 


S 




nat buterwth 


II 9 




Zek Hixe 





4 


I 


Zeckrey parese 


9 10 




Sam dause 


I 


I 


6 


Josep blod 


0106 




Steuen Holde 




II 


2 


Richard blod 


0162 




John parsh 





9 


II 



66 



EARLY RECORDS OF 



Jamse knap 


o 


H 


8 


Jo larense 





6 2 


Sam Screpter 


o 


9 


8 


Enosh larense 





5 


left laken 


o 


4 


8 


Jamse fisk 


I 


4 2 


Josep Parker 


I 


4 


3 


Jonethe Satel 


I 


IS I 


John Cady 


o 


5 





Jos wet 





5 


nat blod 


I 


3 


8 


tom Smethe 





2 


Josi parkr 


o 


8 


4 


Jo wetny 





14 


Jamse parker 


o 


8 


9 


Simon Ston 





14 


John elxsandr 


o 


II 





Simen Ston s 







John laken 


I 


I 


2 


John Page 


I 


6 


Heniry Wilerd 


I 


8 


8 


nik huchen 





5 


John Wilerd 


o 


ID 


10 


Sam holden 





5 


nik Cady 


o 


i8 


2 


danel Cady 





3 


Wil gren 


I 


13 


I 


isek larense 





2 


peleg larense 


o 


10 


10 


elx Ruse 





5 


Jams Robsn 


o 


10 


4 


Jamse fisk 





5 


Jonethe larense 


o 


12 


II 


thorn as \plotte(r\ 





2 6 


Jonse prescot 


I 


2 


3 


Zackiry Satel 





9 ID 


Jamse cady 


o 


5 


4 


James nuteng 




10 10 


Crestefr Hale 


o 


1 1 


5 








John nuteng 


o 


9 


8 








Timethy Alen 


o 


14 


9 


the proporsn of ' 


wod is 


to set 


John Copr 


o 


5 





to aite shelings 


and so pro- 


Eprim filbrek 


o 


5 





posnable to gretr and lese 


Samu thurstn 


o 


16 


2 


somse 






mat farnworthe 


o 


9 


8 








■Josep gilson 


o 


9 


9 


the some 


13 


10 


Wily longly 


o 


15 


I 




55 


I 6 


Sam Kemp 


o 


12 


10 






John baren 


I 





4 








John farnworthe 


o 


9 


5 








mat farnworthe s 


I 





6 








Obed Satel 


o 


12 


7 








Just Houlden 


o 


9 


I 








Johnethn Mose 


o 


7 


7 








Sam Wodse 


I 


2 


2 








Jacob Onge 


o 


6 


7 








Elze baren 


o 


8 


4 








Danel perse 


o 


9 


ID 








Robrd blod 


o 


19 


9 









GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 67 



m Rusel 





19 9 


ben Crespe 





7 


John longly 





9 8 


tho wilyams 





4 II 


wil Sander 





4 II 



A ratt mayd for mester hulbart of fifti fine pounds a quarter in 
money the other part in Corne and provison to be payd the halfe 
by the first of march and the other halfe when his yeare is out and 
thirte Cord of wood to pay worthwith by evere inhabitant according 
to proportion as in the ratt directs The non Residents exsepted 

Richard blood 81-S2 

in the name of the select men 

The first of Jen Reciued of Jonathan Sattell a Descharg from 
M"' hubard for his rates for 79 and 80 the full sum of one hundred 
pown and a quarter parte muney acording to the agrement with the 
towne as full satisfaction for them two yers 

Reciued of Jonas Prescotte a descharge of M"" hubard for his 
reate deue in eightey one whom Do acknowleg himself sattisfyed 
with y^ town for y^ yere 

Reciued of William Longley a Descharg from JNT hubard for his 
reate deue for y'' yere in all the full sum of fiftey fiue pownds a 
quarter pt muney 

the second day of Januarie 81 The towne this day agreed and 
voted for Mester hulbard that he should haue for this yeare sel- 
lerie fiftie fiue pounds a quarter money and the rest as heretofor 
the one halfe to be paj^d in by the first of march next and the rest 
when the yeare is out or before as also thirty Cord of wood within 
a fortnith 

Captayne parker 

Richard blood 

leiuetenant lakin 

John page 

James knop 
We whose names ar vnder ritten do ingage to Cleare the last 
yeare Rats within tow weakes To M hubbard 

The forth of Januar This is to testifie that the select men do 
ingadg and promise to stand by Jonathan Sawtell for the recovering 



68 EARLY RECORDS OF 

of the non residents or any other what the ar behind provided he 
acte according to law for all the rates during these tow yeares past 

The last two items are in Richard Blood's handwriting ; 
but the following three, written on detached pieces of paper, 
are in the hand of James Parker, 

the paselse of work payed for out these Rats ar as foloue and 
thare sumse 

for claperdng and shingleng the hous 23 o o 

for the sleperse 170 

for the underpineng 010 o 

for the stonse to ounderpin the house 016 o 

for laing the flour and dorse making 120 

for nailse 490 

for bordse 3000 7100 

more in nailse 030 

and one hing 016 

also for makng the pulpet 030 



3S 14 9 
remain 556 

Rest doue to the toun frome the to constablse prescot and 
longly of the forty four pound Rat mad and cometd into thare 

4 18 6 



hadse to expend about the 


metg 


house 








the 5 of genewar 1681 












the persons behind : — 












M' Rusele 









18 


9 


Rbld 









18 


9 


Jo longly 









14 





Jo bid 









8 


S 


sargnt lakn 






I 


8 


4 


Will Sandrse 









4 


2 


Zakry satele 









9 


4 


tom Sniethe 









2 


4 



. . . refering to the metinge house Rate 

Resed of Capten parkr 2 o 9 by Jossia parkr his Rate 

payed for insin lorense o 5 6 by Josia paker 

payed for insin lorense o 16 o by Joseph parker 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 



69 



payed for Johnethen Mos 0x1 9 

payed for Johnethen satle 010 3 

payed mor for lorense 012 o 

payed for wil gren o 14 o 

payed more for gren 040 

payed for mat farnworth 050 

payed for ffarnworthse sonse o 12 9 

payed for John Morse o 16 10 

payed for wil gren 060 

payed for Obed Satle o 10 o 

payed for Sam Dauis 030 

payed for pe larense 030 

payed for Sar Knap o 10 5 

payed for danle prse o 3 5 
payed for 



by nat buterworth 
by nat buterworth 
by Jonse prescot 
by nat buterworth 
by Jamse paker 
by Joseph parker 
by Joseph Parker 
by Sie Parker 
by Sia parker 
by si parker 
by Jamse parker 
by nek Cady 
by nek Cady 
by nat buterworth 



. . . refaring to the meting house Rate 
[payed to] nat buterworth by wil longly 
[payed] to Jamse parker 
[payed] to buterworth in befe 
[pay]ed to Jamse parker by parash 
payed to Jamse parker by Henry Wilerd 
payed to J parker by Enosh lorranse 
payed to Jamse and Si by Crestu'' Hale 
payed for Sam thurstho by Jo parker 



4 
3 

12 
6 
5 
3 

2 



o 
10 



Jnneuary3i 1681 It agred upon by the select men That the 
Indanes shall be warned out of the Toune forth with and if the 
shall neiglect the warning and if any of them be taken drounke or 
in drinke or with drink Then these parsons ar to be sezed and 
brout be foure the select men either by counstable or by any other 
parson and be pounesed accordin as the law doth direct and the 
Informar shall be sattised for his paines 

The following list of names is without date, and comprises, 
with the exception of Mr. Willard, the heads of families living 
in the town soon after its resettlement. An approximation of 
the time when it was written may be obtained from the fol- 
lowing fact: The name of Widow Longley appears in the list; 
as her husband died November 29, 1680, it was made subse- 
quently to that date, but probably not much later. Mr. Wil- 



70 



EARLY RECORDS OF 



lard was not a resident 
large land- owner. The 
handwriting of Jonathan 
by Captain James Parker 



of the town at this time, though a 
first forty-seven names are in the 
Morse, but the others were written 



Samiwell Kemp 


I 


Jacob Ong 


38 


Danill Pears 


2 


Joshuy Wheat 


39 


Richard Blood 


3 


Willim gren 


40 


Nicklis Cady 


4 


Richard Satill 


41 


Obadiah Satill 


5 


Jolin Parish 


42 


Samiwell Wods 


6 


Bengiman \_blank'] 


43 


Joseph Blood 


7 


Joseph Mors 


44 


Thomis Tarbll Sen 


8 


Simon Stoon 


45 


John Nutin 


9 


Justin Holld: 


46 


Nathanill Blood 


lO 


Sargin Lackins 


47 


John Coper 


1 1 


Zackriah ffars 


48 


Mastr Rusill 


12 


Zackriah Satill 


49 


Timithy Alin 


13 


Leftenent lackin 


50 


adim gooll 


14 


Thomas Tarbol Jun 


51 


Jams Robison 


IS 


John lacken 


52 


Jams Blood 


16 


John Morse 


53 


Joseph Parker 


17 


John larenc 


54 


Zackriah Hicks 


18 


Wilyam Sanders 


55 


William Longly 


19 


Richrd Hculden 


56 


Jams Nutin 


20 


Capten Parker 


57 


Samiwell Dauis 


21 


Nich° Huchesen 


58 






John baren 


S9 


Thomis Smith 


23 


w' y 






Joseph larenc 
Mat farnworth Jun 


60 


Timithy Copr 


24 


61 


Enosh Loranc 


25 








Elis baron 


62 


Jonathan Mors 


26 


Tames Knap 


63 


* 




John ffarnom 


27 


J y 






§ 


Insin larenc 


64 


—Jonas Prescod 


28 


T /^ 1 


65 






James Cadey 


John Pag 


29 


Mr Sam Wilerd 


66 


Nathan butrwoth 


30 


John Parker 


67 


Willim gren 


31 


James Parker 
Tonethen Satle 


68 


Cristouer Hall 


32 


69 


Captin Parkr 


2,3 


Sam Church 


70 


Rubin Blood 


35 


Widow longly 


71 


Matthias ffarnom S'' 


36 


Eles baron jr 


72 


Jonithan Loruic 


37 


Joseua Witney 


73 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. Jl 

Jonathan Morse, the eighth town clerk, was the son of 
Joseph and Hester (Peirce) Morse, of Watertown, where he 
was born November 7, 1643. He married, October 17, 1678, 
Abigail, daughter of William and Susanna Shattuck, and they 
had four children. He held the office of town clerk from the 
year 1682 inclusive until the time of his death, which occurred 
July 31, 1686. He was the first town clerk of Groton who 
signed the records with his name, though the practice was not 
constant with him. 

the in stroucktions giuen by the towns commity in the yere. 1682. 
I first that the salackt men doe mak and maintain pase and loue 
won with another in the town and aspashaly with m. hubard in in- 
coridging him in his work by forwarding won and other in being 
wiling to alow him honorabl main tanans as the law darackts in 
pag 45 and that thay warn the in habitans to gather till thay be 
agreed with. m. h [Mr. Hobart ?] and that the salack men mak no 
rate till the town be agreed with him M hub [Mr. Hobart ?] 

2 that upon complaint of som of the in habitans that the reats 
mad by salackt men be Justly proporshaned to euery man his Just 
dew to pay and no more 

3. that the salackt men gat a discharg of m hub for the yere past 
as to his last salarey the yere past 

4 tliat the salckt men doe tak spashal care y' all the high ways 
be sofishantly mended from hous to hous mill markit and meting 

5 that thos laws be rade in the publick meting that is requir and 
all other dutys be longing to salackt men as the law darackts be 
parformed 

6 for as much as there has been complaint of many pore par- 
sons that can not pay rats the salackt men are to mak diligant 
sarch whather it be so that thay may be eased in the rats and pay 
goodman Cadey for a cord of wood 

7 the salackt men are to tak spashal care that thare bee a town 
book & a sofishant man chosen to racord our lands as may stand 
acording to law 

8 allso that the salackt men doe atand the law of the contrey 
con sarning the indins in this town 

9 that the salackt doe giue up a tru acount to the town of all 
the disbursments in the town this vere 



72 EARLY RECORDS OF 

lo and allso that sabath day saruis may bee parformed in the 
sason of it that the sabath may not be profained as it is two much 

The instructions given above are in Jonas Prescott's hand- 
writing. 

the 8 of the i month 1682 at a selekt mense meting it is agread 
upon by them that al the yoke Catele in the toune shall be Harded 
in thre Hards all that ar aboue on year ould shal be Harded Exsept 
such as ar to be fated these may be put out of the town if the oners 
of them plese or else thay are to pay to the hard that the onerse of 
the Catel Relateth to : The Hardse are deuided as foloweth the 
forst Hard is to begen at John farnworthse and to End at Sam 
Houldens takeng takeng in John lorences Eprem filbreks and John- 
athan laransese Catle 

The second hard to be gine at samuele Wodes and to end at 
wilyam longlyes tkeng in Elek Ruse Enosh larenenc and insin 
larance 

The therd Hard is to be gine at Jams Robesens and to End at 
Justinen Houldense takeng in sam dauises catel the persens Rela- 
teng to Ether of thes Hards ar to order the goeng out of thar hard 
both for time and wai of ther Catel walkse : if aney man Refuse or 
naglekt to hard thar Catel a cordeng to thes order thay ar subject 
to the penelty of the towns order 

Richard blod leueng inconuently to hard Has leberty granted to 
Him to kepe His Catele on the west sid of the reuer or else to 
kepe them out of the towne wich he plesethe — -if thay be found 
on this sid thay ar liabel to pay the penelty of the touns order 

by order of the selecttmen James Parker sene 

swine [/« tnargin'] morouer we do agre that ale swin that are 
aboue thre monthse ould shal be sofeshntly Ringed and kept Ringd 
from the ferst of aprele tel the last of septembr and yoked or shut 
oupe if thay take aney mens Corn or be other waise unruly 

Debts deue from thes Persons to the town for lands sould to 
them 

By Capt Parker 11 10 6 

out of which he haue payd as foloweth in 2166 

reneueng y*" town bounds by him selfe and his too sons 2 4 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 73 

for quartring the artise and nails 

for the metting hous glas and Dors and 

for gathering y*" invoice 685 

The rest Deue to the town 3 

Joseph Parker thre hundred ackers 835 

of lande bought of the town 15 o 8 

wherof payd in money 3 13 o 

Ser Leakin one hundred akers 500 

henery wiUard one hundred ack 500 

Jonas Prescotte one hundred and ten ackers 5 

Peleke lawranc one hundred ackers 500 

also deue to the town from Constable Prescott 
and Const Longly vpon the acount of the meting 

house reate 4 18 6 

insin larence for to parcelse of land near his house containeng 
foure akhers mor or lese to pay leftenen danforth one pound and 
sixe shilengse in silvr or in other pay such as Corne 

The last paragraph is in the handwriting of Captain James 
Parker. 

March 28 1682 two Indian squaws being apprehended In 
drinke & with drinke brought to y^ select men one squaw Nehatch- 
echin swaw being drouncke was sentanced to receive & did receive 
ten stripes the other John Nasquuns sway was sentanced to pay 
3^ 4^^ cash and loose her two quart bottle and the Liquour in 
it awarded to Sarg"' Laken who seized them. 

growtin the 25 of the 2 1682 25 d 2 m 1682 The Lands of Jonas 
Prescott lying att stony brock mill at the other sid swan broock the 
east sid begining at stoony brock ponde and soo from the pond too 
the high way as the marks dooe dereckt and from the Cuntry high 
way as the marks dooe dereckt too Chensford lin and soo too the 
pond on the south East East sid of stoney broock and on that sid 
the mill is on the bounds of the mill plas is boundid from a whit 
ock tree too a burch and soo as thes marks doo direckt from the 
cuntry high way : the sum of land is 28 twenty ayt ackers mor or 
les : only we did agree that the Town shall haue liberty if thay need 



74 EARLY RECORDS OF 

too goue too mack eus of the water or too cler the bvouck on ayther 

sid of the Brook if ned be won pole wid not oltring any thing that is 

doon as too the mill crick or the gats only the land is for the proper 

eus of the sayd Jonas Prescott that is too {left iinfiiiishcd.'\ 

for which lands the Town hath as much land tackin ofe the snyd 

Jonas Prescott land lying at the old mill plase this land was t d-:en 

ofe by the sam layers out of land this sum of land was takin ofe 

that side Jonas Prescott farm at the ould mill plas from raastr ushers 

land called the fifty ackers all the land that was Jonas Prescotts 

lyinng from niastr ushers northeast corner and soo too Matthias 

ifarnovvorth medovv all the land too mudy brook is tacken ofe for 

saytfactyon acording too Towns agreement two ackers for won . . 

as witnis our hands 

Jams Parker 

WiLLAM Lackin 

Jams Knop 

At A meeting of the select men Jun y^ 5"" 82 agered with sar- 
gent John laken to macke a sofishant Pound «Sc Stocks the pound 
thirty foots square seuen Railes in a lenth the pound to be sofish- 
ant & to mack a gate & hang it the stocks six footes long with 5 
hols at y* lest, thes are to be don forth with, for which the sayed 
Lackin is to haue 02 15 00 to be discounted as part of pay for his 
land which he bought of the town : 

At A metting of y' select men the 5 of y^ 4* mo"" 1682 Ke- 
ciued of y^ Constables henerey Willerd and Joshewah Whettney a 
descharge from M' hubarde for his reat for his half yere last past 

the 2"' 10 "'° 1682 The comity chosin by the Town too sell land 
sould too insig Nathannill loranc too parsills of land ner his hous 
contatayning foure ackers mor or les being and lying as followeth 
one pese on the south sid of the high way that goe too flagey niedow 
lauing the high way say fower pooU wide from Willam grens land 
this land is bounded northerdly by the aforesayd high way eastardly 
by the towns Comon land sothardly partlly by Samiwell Woods 
swamp and partlly by Willam grenne south wastward ly by the sayd 
Lorancis own land the sayd high way too be left out fower pooll 
wid continuing the length of Willam grens lyn and then the sayd 
loranc lyn dooe Run with a slent by the grat stump too his own 
fence ner the Bredg a loowing good man gren a high way too his 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 75 

midow too fetch his hay and the insin Loranc is too ma} ntayn a 
soo fisint bars or gat 

2^1 the other pes aioyning too his own hous loot bownded soth- 
ardly by the high way leding up in too the Town wastardly and 
northardly by the lands of Captin Jams Parkr and eastrdly with 
the sayd Lorancis owne land this land beeing payd & by the ac- 
knowldgment of the commitee \_This^last li?ie is in another hand- 
writ in g.'l 

Reuised compared and confarmed by the seleckt men acording 
too the ordr of the Toown 

Jonathan Mors dark 22 d 8 m 1683 

at a ginirall Town meetin hilld at grotin 11 day of desembr 1682 

and thar was chosin for constiblls John Page Sargin Knop 
and for seleckt men Captin Parker Leftenint Lackens Sarint Knop 
John Pag Sargin Lackins Josiah Parkr Jonathan Mors 

Comisiners too try small casis acordin too law Captin Parkr 
Leftenint Lackins insin Lorinc 

for tithin men Captin Parkr Leftennt Lackins Josiah Parkr 
timithy allin : 

for soueuyrs Jonathan Satill Palig Lorinc Willam Longly 
Samiwell Kemp 

for too loock aftr swinn Cristuer hall Jacob Ong 

for fens uewers Just Holdin Jams Robison 

at the sam metin it was uotyd and a gred upon that tha that was 
chosin too sell land for the finishin the metin hous was too sell no 
mor 

at the same Metin it was agred upon and uotid that the land that 
is called by the name of Thomis Willimsis land sholld be sowld 
and John Pag Samiuell Woods were chosin too sell this Land 

at a ginirall Toown metin 12 d 10 month 1682 thes men were 
chosin to giue the seleckt men in strucktyon Samiwell Wods 
Jonas Prescod John Parish Jams nutyn Heniry Willard 

at a ginerall town meiyn upon the 12 da 10 m 1682 It was 
agreed upon and uotyd by the Town that thay wolld giue Mastr 
Hubrd three core pound for this yer sal lory in pay and spachy as 
followeth that is too say fifteen pound in money and ffiue and forty 
pound in corn and prouision : won halfe too be payd by the furst 



^6 EARLY RECORDS OF 

of March and the other half by the next Mickelhnas and six and 
thurty cord of wood 

Thes parsins hos nams are undr writin doo in gag too pay thar 
pur porsion too a seuenty pound Rat a cuarter part in money the 
other part in corn and pro uision and forty cord of wood 

Captyn Parker 

Lettenint Lackins 

Sargon Knop 

John Pag 

Jonathan Satull 

WiUiam Longly 

Henory Willard 

Jonas Prescod 

Enosh Loranc 

Nicklous Cady 

John ffarnom 

at a ginarall Town metyn i : day ii m 1682 it was uotyd that 
Mastr Huberd shold haue sixty fyue pound for this yers saliry in pay 
and spashy as follow that is too say a cuartr part in mony and aite 
pound worth of pork and the Reste of his Rat must be payd in corn 
and proiiision and won half of this pay must be payd by the furst 
of march and the other half by the Last of nouembr and forty cord 
of wod 

at the seleckt mens metyn upon the 11 moth 4 day 1682 a rat 
mad for Mastr hubard contayning sixty five pound and ayght pens 
by Jonahan Mors Clark in the nam of the seleckt men 

24 d I m 1683 at a seleckt mens metin Sargin Lackins did giue 
a tru acount for the seleckt men how he payd for his land pound 
and stocks fifty fine and fine shilins in siluer at forty shilins in 
siluer {this word erased^ by leftenint and lefenint haue bayd this 
four shilins for Runing he town lyn all but won shilin 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

It is evident from the appearance of the original record that 
the preceding entry belongs in this place and not at the end 
of the year. 

at a ginarall Town meting upon 23 d 2 m 1683 It was agred 



■ GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. ^^ 

upon and uoted that Mastr : Hubrd shall haue liberty too mack this 
pullpit for his eas and comfort soo as he dooe no ways defase the 
work now doon and will mack it dasant and comly acquiuilent too 
the work undrneath upon his own charg 

at a ginnreall Toown metyng upon the 23 d 2 m 1683 it was 
Agreed upon and uoted that thay war willing that the land shoold 
be soald which is too tack up in Leeu of Neshobey too pay thar 
Toown dets 

at the sam metyng it was agreed upon and uoted that this land 
shold be soould : for forty pound in Corn and Catill soo as too 
pay the Toown dets and thay that bye this land shall be att all the 
Charg in the laying out of this land 

26 d 2 m 1683 at a seleckt mens meting Jonathan Satill was 
ordred too pay Timithy allin fiften shilins 

At A seleckt men meting 21'* 3 m 1683 Captin Parker and Insin 
Loranc was Chosin too met with Chensford comity too Renew the 
Lyne 

at a gennirall Toown meeting 25d 4 m 1683 A gred upon and 
uotyd that the Toown wooll sell land for too pay thar present deews 
and the Comity shall sell no land within too mill of the metin hous 
and the Comity shall sell no land undr twenty ackr & ecksept it be 
furst brought too the Toown at a ginarull Toown meting and if the 
Town doo determined too sell such land the Comity may Deed it 
lagully 

The in habitenc of This Toown have liberty too by land att a 
uallowabll Prise of the Comity so noe land shall be soald undr 
Twell penc A n acker 

Captyn Parker Leftenint Lackins Sargon Knop was chosin a 
Comity too sell this land 
Samiwell Wood Willam grenn \_fhe last name erased^ 

The following vote appears to be the rough draft of the one 
that comes immediately after it. 

June. 25. 1683 At a genrall towen meeting it was agreed upon 
& detarmed by vote y* ther should be Land sould by y" former 
Comity Chosen by the towen to sell land for y* paymen of lowen 



78 EARLY RECORDS OF 

debts : & y^ thay shall seell no land under twelue penc y® acker & 
any Inhabatant of this towen hath liberty to by Land agreen with 
y^ Comity 

Jewn 25 1683 At a ginarall Toown meting it was a greed upon 
and detarmid by uot that thar shall be land sould by tlie former 
Comity Chosin by the Town too sell land for the defraueing of fore- 
mer dets and thay shall sell no land und twell penc the acker and 
any inhabitant have liberty too by land agreing with the comity 
this latr uot countr maynds the former that is aboue it on Jewn 25 
1683 

At a ginarall Town meting upon the 25 d 4 m 16S3 it was agred 
upon a uotid that thay wolde giue Willam Prist teen ackrs of land 
and ten to Nath Lawren 

at a ginarall toown meting upon the 25 day 4 month 1683 it 
was agred upon and uotyd that the Toown wold chos a comity for 
tooee pllas the metin house : and thes men war chosen 

Captin Parker Lefeninant Lackins Richard Blood Sargon ffisk 
insin Loranc 
Samiwell Woods was chosen too Joyn with this comity 

At the sam meting it was agred upon and uotyd that sargan Knop 
and leftenant Lackins and sargon Lackins and Jams nutin and 
John ffarnom was chos a comity for too Run the owld lin which 
Jonathan Danford Rund too tack in the Land which is due too us 
by Neshobey and too mack a return too the Toown 

The following "agreement" appears to be the rough draft 
of the one that comes immediately after it. 

An agreement betwen the town of groton & Jonas Prescot uiz y' 
he hath Liberty to set up a saw mill at stony brook upon condishans 
as folow furst y' he shall acomadat y*" town with merchantabell 
bords at sixpenc y" hndred cheper then are sould at any outher saw- 
mill and for towe pay & y' y*" towe shall be suplyed befor any outher 
porsons & he is to haue this priueliges untell ther may occer som- 
thing that may be of greater aduanteg [to the] town . . . ether by 
loran works or outher wayes . . . y^ saw mill [shall] not hinder y® 
corn mill . . . 

an agrement mad be twen Jonas Prescod and the Town of grotin 
that he the sayd Prescod haue liberty too set up a sawmill att 
Stoony Brock and to have the ues of the stream upon con disions 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 79 

as followeth furst that he shall a Comindat the Toown with mar- 
chindabll Bords at sixpenc a hundred cheaper then are sowlld at 
any other saw mills and for Town pay and that the Town shall be 
sooplyed befor any other parsin and he is too have this priuilig 
untill thar may aper sumthing that may be of g"" aduantig too the 
Townn which by lorun woks or any other ways allways prouided 
the saw mill do not hindr the corn mill and the sayd Prescod is to 
haue the use of the Towns timpr for his own use and the sayd 
prescod is too mack and mayntayn a sofisint cart[way?] from tyme 
too tyme and at [all times.] 

1683 The land of Obadyah Sautell sould too him by 
the Towns comity chosin by the Towne too sell sd land 

Twenty fower ackers of land mor or les ner the Burnt medow 
being boundid as folovvth boundid wastwardly by the land of Rich- 
ard Sawtell northardly by the land of James Parker sener and 
upon all other poynts with the Towns comon land and Jams fisks 
medow and Thomis Tarballs medow lauing a high way in it for the 
use of the medow and thar be need of it 

2 thurty ackres mor or lese being and lyeng on the south sid of 
Indian hill medow agining too Richard satwalls medow called the 
patchis bounded as foloweth north with the bay high way wast with 
the land of John barren and northerdly by the land of John baron 
and wasturdly and northardly by the land of Nickloas Huchin and 
all so wastardly by the Towns Comon and south by the Towns 
Comon and east by the land of Jams fhsk and so contaying all the 
swamp ground and stands with the sayd patchis 

24 d 6 m 1683 at a seleckt mens meting Captin Parkr and sargin 
Knop was chosin a comity for too met with Bilericy comity for too 
trat about the gi'at bredg 

at a ginrall Town metin upon the 28 of 6 m 1683 Jonas Prescod 
was chosin comisinur too tack the contry inuoys 

the 28 of 6 m 1683 at a ginarall Town meting it was agred 
upon and noted that the Comitys work wh they have done in plasing 
the meting hous shall be uoyd and that the dignity of the sats of 
the meting hous shall be detarmned by the Town that the Comity 
may haue Ruls too plas the metin hous with thar best dis cresion 
furst ofis seckently age and thurdly money 

It is agred upon and uotyd that when the Comity had plased all 



8o EARLY RECORDS OF 

thes sats in the meetinghous and it doth aper that thar is som 
wiating thar shall be sum mad a boue for the plasing of yong 
parsins upon the Towns charg 

it was a gred upon and uotyd that the furst be low shod be the 
furst sat in dignity 2'^ the forst in the frunt galry shall be the 
second sat in dignity the second sat below is the thurd sat in dig- 
nity the frunt sat in the East galery is the forth sat in dignity the 
thurd sat below is the fift sat in dignity the second sat in the frunt 
galry is is the sixe sat in dignity : the fowerth sat below is the 
seuenth sat in dignity the sat by the window is the ayth sat in dig- 
nity the second sat in the galory is the ninth sat in dignity 

at the same meting it was agred upon and uotyd that the Dackins 
sate shall be leuiled with the tabll and that it shall be plased with 
parsins acording too the discresion of the Comity 

22 day 8 m 1683 at the seleckt mens meting the Towns comity 
did giue thar acount too the selecktmen of the land sould for the 
defrawing of the Toown dus and dets 

no ackrs of land sowld too Josiah Parkr and John 
ffarnom 

2 too Captin Parkr 198 ackrs 

3 too Joseph Parkr and Samiwell adams 200 ackrs 

4 Mathias ffarnoth and John ffarnoth 40 of land 
and nor too mathias ffarnom i ackr 

5 too Jonas Prescod 13 ackr of land 

6 too Jams Knop 55 ackr of land 

7 too sargin Lackins 10 ackrs of land 

8 too Thomis Boydin 100 ackr of land 

9 Jonis Prescod detr too the Town for and by his 

acount with the seleckt men 8 d 10 m 1682 
Captin Parkr dew too the Town 
by the acount giuin in 3 d 10 m 1673 

Leftenint Lackin 22 ackrs of land 
Captin Parkr haue payd too Jams nutin 
and too Leftenint Lackins 
and too sargin Knop 

at a ginora Towne meting upon the 29 d 8 m 1683 it was agred 
upon and uoted that the souayrs that are too lay out land and 
Jonas prescod and Samiwell Woods shall be a comity for the helping 



5 


15 





8 


18 




10 








2 


2 
13 




I 


15 







10 




5 







3 


3 





I 


2 





I 


2 







6 








5 








12 






GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 



of sum parsins namly soe many as ned thar buts and bounds that 
thay may be fitid for A lagall record in too the new Town boock 
and ho so euer dooe imploy this comity shall bar the chargis euery 
parsin for him self for his own land : and the magr part of this 
Comity sail determin any thing Refering too the recording of this 
land 

at the sam meting it was determinid by uot that in Refferenc too 
a specioU Rat too Mastr Willard that eury in habitant that is a 
propriatur shall haue won ackr of land layd out too him acording 
too his furst grant that is too say vz twenty acker Right shall haue 
twenty ackrs of land and soo pur porshinably for the smaller 
grants and this deuision of land is too be tacken up upon this sid 
of the Reuer 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

at a seleckt mens meting 3od 8m 1683 Captin Parker Sargin 
Knop Jonas Prescod was chos a comity too lay out the high way 
from dunstabll too grotin 

23 d 9 m 1683 at a selek mens meting the constibls was ordrid 
too pay too sargin Lackin seuen shilins out of the Rat 

I d lom 1683 at a selekt mans meting too mack a rat too mend 
high ways and to cast up mastr Huberds Rat 

thar ware chosen for . . . Town afayrs in the 10 d 10 m 1683 

the seleckt men haue tacken speciall car and haue payd all thes 
Town dets 

29 d lom 1683 too Jams Knop o 12 o 

2 too Leftenant Lackins 050 

3 too Leftanant Lackins 012 o 

4 too Josiah Parker for i wollfs hed and pups on 

5 too Jams Nutin for 2 wolves hed and 3 days in 

6 too Insin Lawranc i 2 

7 too Timothy allin i 10 6 

8 too Cristiuer Hall for taking the inuoyc 060 

9 too John ffarnworth for i wolf hed 3 dys half 113 

10 too bilirica bredg 4170 

11 too the county Rate 4^7 o 

12 to Jonas Prescod for carig the pay biliryk 012 o 



82 EARLY RECORDS OF 

13 too Thomis boyin for paying him for finishin the 

meting hous 3 o 

14 too John Pag for his ould arergis o g 10 

This may sart^'fy you that Joshiway Whitney haue prought in his 
acwitinc from mastr Hubords own hand that the Rat that was com- 
ited in too his hand when he was constabell was payd by me 

Jonathan Mors Clark 

A a ginnrall Town meting 10 d 10 m 1683 the Tow haue cho- 
sin thar Town offiersers Just holdin and John Parish for Constibls 

thos which war chosin seleckt men Jonas Prescod Heniry 
Willard Joshuay Whitny William Longly Jonathan Morse Clark 
and seleckt men 

10 d ID m 1683 At the sam meting it was agred upon and uotd 
that thay wold give Mastr Hubord seuenty pound for this yers sal- 
ory and a cwartr part of this must be payd in money and the Rest 
of his pay must be payd as it was determinid last yer and forty 
cord of wod 

at the the sam meting it was agred vpon and uoted that all thar 
Toown charges shall be raysed by thar land and estats and if any 
parsin haue pourchad any land it shall be Rated at fiue pound the 
hundred 

Att a ginarall Town meting upon the 25 d 10 m 1683 them which 
wur chosin souuyrs was Nicklos Huchin Nicklos Cady Jams 
Parkr Cristuer Halle fo hog constiblls Samiwell Criptur goodman 
Willam green and uewers of fenses 

At a ginarall Town meting upon 25 d 10 m 16S3 John Page 
John Parish Insin Lorinc 

as you are Chosin a comity for and in the behalf of the Towne 
you are desiered for too proue the Rit and titill we haue too our 
Tooun ship by all the legall testimony which can be procuerid when 
the Toown is sent too by aney a Tority and if aney ingins can proue 
a lagiall titall too the Remainer of our Town ship you haue power 
too by it at as easi a lay as you can and mack it as sur as maybe in 
the behalf of the Toown and you shall haue Reasinabll satisfackion 

for your payns. 

Jonathan Mors Clark 

in the nam of the selckt men 31 d 10 m 1803 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 83 

31 d 10 m 1683 4 The Comity did giue in thar acount too the 
selelkt men upon 31 d 10 m 1683 of the land sowlld 

too Joshiway Whitni 12 ackrs 012 o 

2 Nicklos huchin 10 ackrs o 10 o 

3 Jonathan satel 17 acks 017 o 
Insin Lorinc 40 acks 200 
Just Holdin 4 ack 03 3 
Obiadiah ssatill 54 ackrs 2 14 o 
Jams Nutin 7 ackrs 070 

at A ginnrall Town meting upon the 14 d 11 m 1683 the Toown 
comity did giue in thar acount of thar chargis for the purchis of our 
Town ship with the indins 

thar Chargis in money-Eckspencis i — 10 

2 for thar tym in Town pay twelue 

sliilins apese which doo amount too i — 16 — o 

uotid that the comity was too entr the ded 
in too the cunty records for this sum 

This instrument is duly recorded in the Middlesex Registry 
of Deeds at East Cambridge, ix. 27. 

14 d II m 1683 at a ginnrall Toown meting it was agred upon 
and uotid that this publick chargis con sarning the purchis of our 
Toown ship shall be raysed by the furst grants and too hom thay 
war furst grantid too 

at the sam meting it was agred upon and by uot declarid that if 
any parsin doo Refus too pay for the purchis of this ingin titell too 
our Toown ship thar pur porsion thar nams are too be entred in 
too the Toown buck 

at a ginnrall Town meting upon the 14 d 11 m 1683 4 it was 
agred upon and uoted that this Bublick chargis con sarning our 
purchis of our indin titU shall be Leuied upon our ffurst grants of 
lands and thay shall pay in hose hands thay are found 

at the sam metin agred upon and uotid that Crisouer hall shold 
lack the inuoyc 

29 day II m 1683 The Town comity did give in thar a count 
o the land sould for too procur ry for the Towns us 

Thomis smith 2 acks i o o 

Nickloas Cady 15 ack o 15 ° 



84 EARLY RECORDS OF 

John Barns 2 acks 100 

John farnom 6 acks 060 

nicklos haue payd his purporson which is his pur 
porson of a teen ackr grat of the indin titill whch is o 8 4 

nathanill blood haue payd for his furs grant land his 
money part in this indin purchis 30 da 11 16S3 084 

Jonathan Sawtell have payed his pur porsion in the 
indin purchis and halfe his fathers pur porcion acording 
too the lewey and uote of the Town o 8*4 

but not by his fathers ordr as did aper by Riting undr 
his fahers hands 

31 d II m 16S3 Richard Sautill haue payd his purporsion in 
the ingin purches for A twenty acker Right the full and fast 
sum of o 16 8 

as atest Richard satill Obadiah Satell Just Holdin Cunstibll 

b me Jonathan Mors Clark 

James blood have payd his full purporsion for a thurty ackr 
Right too the Indin purchis as atest John parish and Jonas prescod 

Groton January 31"' 168^ Att a Meeting of the select men att 
the house of Jonathan Morse then Reconed with Capt"'^ Parker 
and all account ballanced concerning the land Capt"^ Parker bought 
of the the Towne and what the towne ought him upon all pticulars 

U s d 

to this day and Capt"^ Parker is Debf to y" Towne o = 07 = 00 

In y^ account of Capt"* Parker is payd 

for Paleg Lawrance 

for Nicholas Cady 

for Jn° Barron 

for Luiten : 5^ Sargn' K 12' 

for James Nutlen 

Jonathan Mors Clark 

The 31"' day of January 168^ Recconed with Tho : Booden 
concerning his worke done in finishing the Meeting house and found 
that he hath received of the thirty two pounds that he was to haue 
in the pticulars as followeth p Capt"^ as p Tho Boodens Acknowl- 



00 = 09 = 


00 


01 = 07 = 


GO 


00 = 12 = 


GO 


CO = 17 = 


GO 


GO = 06 





GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 85 



11 II 

edgement before the select men 16 09 = 00 : 

p Jonathan Lawrance for Peleg Lawrance 01 = 00 = 00 

p Sam : Holden for Peleg 01 = 05 = 00 

p Jn° Page 00 = 16 = 00 

p Jn" Farworth 02 = 00 = 00 

p Jonas Prescott 01 = 10 = 00 

p 100 Acres of land 05 = 00 = 00 

p Ensigne Lawrance 00 = 08 = 00 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

in the nam of the dark [selectmen ?] 

January 31"' 163^ then Rockoned with Sargnt Knop and all 
accounts from the begining of the world to this day are all ballanced 
upon every accont betwine the Towne and him And due from him 
to the Towne 00 = 02 = 00 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

in the nam of the seleckt men 

Reckoned January 31*'' 168^ at the same Meeting with Luiten : 
Laken & all accounts in all pticulars clear and ballanced betwine 
the Towne and him from y" begining of the world to this day 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

Joseph Parkr dept i — 9 — o 

The Town in Det too patickler men for thar work for seuerall 
workes and forcys 

1 too Leteninant Lackins 4 days and a half 120 

2 too Sargin Lackins 3 days and half .017 o 

3 too Sargin Knop 3 days and half and i day too 

Biliryca bredg i 5 

4 too Captin Park 3 days o 12 

5 too Insin Loranc i daye Chensford linn 4 

6 too Jams Nutin 3 days and half 11 3 

7 too John ffarnum 3 days and half 11 3 

8 too Leftenant Lakins for ould areligis [arrearages?] 12 o 

9 too John Pag for ould areligis 9 o 

10 too Thomis Boydin for inish met 32 2 6 

11 too Jams Nutin in 8 d of Septembr too wolues beds 100 

12 too Thomis Wods and Willam green won wolf hed 010 o 



86 EARLY RECORDS OF 

13 too good man wods for bringing up the poudr and 

for his sune wachin 040 

14 too Jonathan Mors for ceping the Toown book 010 o 

15 too Joseph Parkr for paying too Bilirica Bredch 500 



the Town haue payd too Thomis Boyden 








by Captin Parkr 


16 


6 





by PaHg Loranc 


I 


16 





by John farnworth 


2 








by Jonas Prescod 


I 


5 





for 100 ackrs of land 


5 









when all thes Town dets are payd thar is dew too 

the Town 01 16 6 

4di2i68^ at a selekt mens meting it was determined by the 
selek men that goodman allin shold haue won and thurty shillins 
and six pens which will be dew in the begining of the march next 
168^ 

grotin the 7 day 12 168^ A trew Resaight that Just holdin 
Constibell hath payd too the Towns comity the Just sum of 1 2-1 2-0 
I saw twellue pound and twellue shilins in cash I say resaiued 

by me John page in the nam of the Rest of the comity 
the 9 d 12 1683-84 

grotin Febriwary 18 1683'* Resaiued of Just Holdin Constaball 
the Just sum of teenn pound fine shillins in Corn which was payd 
by the sayd Holdin for the purchis of the Toown of Groton of the 
Indans 

I say Resaiued by me Josiah Parkr 

Resaiued of Just Holdin Constabll twenty fiue Bushils of India 
Corn in the behalf of Captin Linksman 

I say Resaiued by me Robirt Robin 

fabriweri 18 168^ 

Jons Prescod haue payd for his l[and] which he did purchis ot 
the Town comity in the yer 1682 the full aud Just sum of fiue 
pound teen shillins for won hundred and ten ackers of land I say 
payd for acording too ordr for the Toowns use 

by me Jonathan Mors C/ark 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 8/ 

Jonas Prescod haue payd for his land which he did purchis of 
the Town comity in the yer 1683 the full and Just sum of thurten 
shillins for thurtene ackrs I say payd for acording too ordr for 
the use of the Town 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

Jonas Prescod haue purchised [paid ?] for his land which he did 
purchis of the Towns comity in the yer 1684 the full and Just sum 
of won pound for twenty ackr of land I say payd for acording too 
order for the us of the Touwn 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

Joshuay Whitny haue payd for his land which he did purchis of 
the Town comity in the yer 1683 the and iust sum of twellue shill- 
ins for twellue ackrs of land I say payd for acording too ordr for 
the us of the Town 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

John ffarnworth haue payd for his Land which he did purchis of 
the Towns Comity in the yer 1683 the full and Just sum of hue 
pound fiue shillins for won hundred and hue ackers of land I say 
payd for acording too ordr for the us of the Town 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

Captin Park Parkr haue payd upon the Toowns acount won 
pound seuen shilins which was his due too the Town upon the Last 
acount 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 

Josiah Parkr haue payd for his land which he did purchis of the 
Towns Comity in the yere 1683 fifty fiue ackrs 

I say payd for acording too ordr for the us of the Town and too 
pay town dewes 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 16 d 12 m 1683 

Insinn Loranc haue payd for his land which he did purchis of 
the Towns comity in the yer 1684 forty ackers I say payd for 
acording too ordr for too pay him in the Toowns dues 

by me Jonathan Mors Clark 24 d g m 1684 



88 EARLY RECORDS OF 

at a seleckt mens meting 24 d nouem 1684 Captin parker did 
giue in acount of the land wliich he had purchised of the Towns 
cmity and as he is a comity too sell land for the Toown 

too Captin Parkr twelue ackrs 012 o 

the Towns Comity 

at a selekt mens meting 24 day 9 moth 1684 Jonas presod 
did giue in thar acount too the seleckt men and this is the acount 
of the Toown dets 

Jonas prescod haue due too him from the Town 115 

and thar' is dew too Jonathan Mors from the town too 

him 103 

fifteen pens of this must be payd in money 

the Town indetid too William longly from the town 014 o 

The Town indetid too heniry Willerd for gathrin 

m Wilerds Rat o 10 o 

The Town indetid too Joshuey Whitney for constibell 16 o 

at a ginnrall Town meting [held on] the 10 d 10 m 1684 thay 

did chus thar publick ofisers for constabel Jams Nutin for seleckt 
men Insin Loranc Captin Parker Leftenint Lackins John Pag Jonas 
Prescod Josiah Parkr John Parish Jonathan Mors Clark 

Mathias farnworth Constibell Willam Long was chosin too tack 
the Cuntry inuoy 

for souayrs Samiwell Kempe Samiwell dauis Jams Blood Josh- 
uay Whitny 

for hog constibls and fens uewers Samiwell Wods and Elis barin 

at a ginarall Town metin upon 10 d 10 m 1684-5 it was agreed 
upon and uotid that thay wolld giue mr Hubord for this yers sallory 
seuenty pound won quartr part in money and the Rest of the pay 
shall be payd in Corn what Rye and Ingin Corn Beter pork and 
won hallf of this pay is too be payd in by the furst of march and 
the other hallf of his pay shall be payd in by the ninth day of the 
ninth month and forty cord of wood which shall be payd in by the 
furst of march nex and if any parsin doo negleckt and Refus shall 
pay aftr the Rat of six shillins a cord in corn forth with 

at the sam meting it was agred upon and uotid that if any of our 
propriators which doo neg leckt or Refus paying thar Bublick 
dews Twis in the yer by them selues or t^ar agent thar lands shall 
be sased by the constibell and sould by the seleckt men for too pay 
thar dus and all due damigis 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 89 

... 29 d 10 m 1684 . . . [tith]en men sargin ffisk . . . 
mathias ffarnworth . . . [Chrijstiuer Hall 

The seleckt men which war chosin for the yer 1684-5 haue tackn 
car too pay sum of the Towns tets 

Samiwell Kemp haue Rsaiued of the seleckt men upon the 



Towns count for swping the meeting hous 


I 


Jonathan Mors Resaiued 


0-6 


too Jonas Prescod 


I- 5-6 


too Willam Longly 


0- 3-0 


too Widow longly Bengiman Crisp 


0- 3-0 


too Samiwell Kemp 


I - I - 


too Jams Nutin 


2-10-0 


too Captin Parkr 


0- 9-4 


too Leftenint Lackins 


0-16-0 


too John Parish 


0- 1-3 


too Jams Knop 


0—18 — 


too Heniry Willard 


- lO - 


too Joshiway Whitny 


- 10 - 


too Samiwell Woods 


- 9-0 


too Josiah Parkr 


0- 14- I 



grotin march 6 1684 Resaiued of Just Holdin the full and Just 
sum of sixtenne pound teenn shillins in money corint Coine of New 
ingland and in corn thurty six shillins which was payd by the sayd 
Holdin for part of the purchis of the Town of grotun of the Indins 
I say Resaiued by me John Page in the behalf of the Comity that 
Bought the for sayd Town of the Indins John Page in the nam 
of the Comity 

at a ginnarall [town meeting held] The im 30 d [1685 it was 
agreed] upon and uotid that . . . [commjity which was chosen to 
. . . the use of the Towwn shall . . . mor to no parsin hensforth 
shall by any mor land 

30 d im 1685 At a ginnrall Town meting it was determined 
and uotid that the note which past in a Town meting in 10 d 10 m 
1683 shold stand in fors and if any parsin haue purchised any land 
of the Towns comity of the Towns land shall pay all town Dues at 
the Rate of fiue pound the hundred and soo dubled with the Rest 
of the estat of the Town 



90 EARLY RECORDS OF 

at the sam meting sargin Knop was chosen a comity for too Joyn 
with the Rest of the comity for too Reguilat any erior or too Satisfy 
sum agreuied parsin in the sating of the meting hous 

at a ginarall Town meting held at grotin 27 d May 1685 agred 
upon and uotid that thay wold giue Willam Sandrs that small pes 
of land lying by John Parshis too set your hous upon considratyon 
Willam Sandrs is too haue the hy way fower poll wid and if he 
doo any way damig to the hy way he is too mack it soo fisint 

leftniant lackins insin Lackins John Parish 

gd 9m 1685: at a ginarall Town meting Josiah Parkr was 
chosen an atarny for the Town for too seue and prosicut the non 
Residnc too efeckt too help mastr hubord too the pay that is his 
diie upon the Rat 

at the sam meting it was grantid too Nicklas Cady a small pes of 
land at the south sid of ingin hill at the ind of his own lot soo he 
Dooe in no ways in trench upon the hye way 

at the sam meting it was grantid too Robin Robards tenn ackrs 
in the furdr sid of the bond agining too Chensford linn and 
Neshoby 

at the sam meting grantid too John Elecksandr tenn ackr of 
land from all thes grants of land Jonas Prescod doo Right his 
desent 

at the sam meting it was grantid too John Parish teen ackrs of 
land 

at a g[en]arall Town meting upon 10 d 10 m 1685-6 the Town 
did chus thar Bublick ofisers 

ffor seleckt men Captin Parkr Jams Knop Leftenint Lackins 
Jonas Pescod Josiah Parkr Willam Longly Jonathan Mors dark 

ffor Constibll Simon Ston Jams Parkr 

ffor souayrs Nicklous Cady John barns Joseph Loranc John 
Page ^^ 

Hog constibls John Cady Obadyah Satall ^' 

ffens uewers Joshiway Whitny Enosh Loranc 

this Rate must be Raysed as it was the last yer 

Captin Parkr Chosin too tak in uycs 

at the sam meting it was agred upon and uotid that thay wold 
give Mr Hubord for this yer sallory seuenty fine pound and won 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 91 

quartr part in money and ayght pound in pork and the Rest of the 
pay is too be payd in whate Rye and ingin Corn Won half of this 
pay is too be payd by the last of march next and the other hallf is 
too be payd a month befor his yere is out and forty cord of wode 
which is too be payd in by the latr ind of the next Feueuery and 
thay which doo not pay wood in that tym ihall pay in Corn at the 
Rat at 5 shillins a cord 

at a ginnrall Town meting 10 d 10 m 1685 it was agred upon 
and uotid that Obadyah Sautill shall haue a small pes of land 
agoyning too his patchis Boundid with his own land and with the 
high way 

Desembr 14 day 1685 at a ginarall town meting it was agred 
upon and uotid that thee Town wolld giue m Hubord ffour core 
pound 

at a ginarall Town meting lagualy warned desembr 14 day 1685 
the inhabitauc of the Towu of grotin being ginaraly asembled then 
determinid and uotid that thay wold giue M Hubord ffour core 
pound this yere and soo from yer too yer and soo not rising any 
higr \_The last four words interlined^ anolally in spashie as foloweth 
twenty pound in money ayt pound in pork at three pens a pound 
and ffifty too pound in corn of all sorts as it plase god too blese 
them too be payd at too farms won half by the furst of march next 
and the other half by the tenth day of novembr next and forty cord 
of wood which is too be payd yerly by the last of Jeniwary next 
and soo anoaly from yer too yere and not too Ris any Hirer 

this Record is entr lined the sixt lin 

understanding y* porke to be payd in the first halfe years pay I 
assent to ye uoat as witnesse my hand 

Gershom Hobart 

The sentence over the signature, as well as the signature 
itself, are in Mr. H chart's handwriting. 

I d II m 1685 the Town desented from mr Hubords asinement 
too the uoat above menchened 

at a seleckt meting 23 dec"" 1685 : Samiwell Kemp was Chosin 
too swep the metin hous and he doo in gag too swep the metinhous 



92 EARLY RECORDS OF 

carefully wuns a week in sumer tym and he is too haue won and 
twenty shilins for his labors for this yer 

at the sam Timithy allin did tack the oth of a Tithin man 

Cristiuer hall did tack the oth of a tithing man 

at a ginarall Town meting grotin Desembr 28 d 1685 the inhab- 
itnc of the Town being asembled then detarmined and uotid that 
m garshom Hubord have set him self at liborty from the sd Town 
as too any ingagement from him too them as thar ministr as allso 
have fred the Toown from any in[gage]ment too him self by 
mr Hubrds Refusing and silting what the sayd Town ofvered 
him for his sallory at Too seuerell Town metings as doo apers by 
Reckord in the Town book and that the Town is yet Redi and 
willing too agre with him for the futr and if he se case from this 
uote thar was no man decented 

at a ginarall Town meting grotin desem 28 d 1685 the inhabitanc 
being ginarally asembled that they did then agree and by uot declar 
that they will glue Mr Hubord this yer a hundrid pound and from 
yer too yer as standing wagis in pay as followeth teen pounds worth 
in pork and the Rest of the pay shall be payd in such pay as it 
plase god to bles us with all — the pork is too Be payd at threpanc a 
pound and the corn at cort pria 

william longley doth desent from this uote Jonas prescod Josh- 
iway whitny Dackn Loranc nicklas Cady jr Willam gren 

4d II m 1685 
This hundred pound uote was confurmed at a ginarell Town 
metin hild at grotin 4d 11 m 1685 the second time and mr hubords 
asinement too the fower cor pound uot was not consentid too 

8 d II 1685 at a seleckt mens meting the seleckt men did mack 
a rat of seuenty fine pound and did laue the Town at thar liberty 
too con farm the four cor pound for standing wagis and if thay if 
thay se cas be twen this and the day of aleckyon of the Town 
ofisers 

at a ginarall Town meting i d 12 1685 the Town of grotin agred 
upon and uotid that the seleckt men shall mack uoat for mr Hub- 
ards yers sallary of a hundrid pound in pay as is expresed in that 
uot which pasd 28 d 10 m 16S5 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 93 

at a seleckt mens meting 5 d 12 m 1685-86 Samiwell Kemp was 
chosin too swep the metin hous for the yer 1686 and his yer be gin 
the tenth day of march next and he is too haue won and twenty 
shillins for that work in corn pay 

at a genirill Town 21 day 2 m 1686 the nams of thos parsins 
which war chosin tithin men Joseph loranc Palig Loranc Nicklos 
Huchion Samiwell Wods sener Jonathan Loranc 

at the sam meting Josiah Parkr was Chosen Clark of the Rits 

at a ginarall toown meting held at grotin July 27 1686 it was 
then agred upon and uotid that thay wold giue too mr garshom 
Hubord four core pound a yer and soo anoloaly as he continou 
the Towns ministr won quartr part in money the other thre parts in 
such as it plas god too bless them with all in cas the non Residue 
pay thar purporsion as they haue doon formerly don 

but otherwise and if the non Residnc be exemptid we doo agree 
too giue the sayd garshom Hubord seuenty pound this yer and soo 
anoly won quartr part in money and if any pursin canot paye his 
part in money have a liborty too pay his quartr part in corn or 
other prouision at half prise 

Josiah Parker, the ninth town clerk, was the son of Captain 
James and Elizabeth (Long) Parker, and was born in the year 
1655. He held the office during the remainder of 1686 after 
the death of Mr. Morse, and until the year 1691 inclusive. 
His handwriting was good, and he expressed himself well. 
He was a Captain, and served in the war against the Indians ; 
he was in command at Groton, July 21, 1706, when Nathaniel 
Healy, of Newton, one of his company was "waylaid" and 
slain, together with Ebenezer Seger, also of Newton, " as they 
were going to Meeting On the Sabbath day." His brother, 
Joshua, subsequently married the widow of his predecessor. 

At a select mens meeting Decembr the 3"! 1686: we y* s'' select 
men find the town indeebted as foloweth viz 
to Cap' James Parker for tacking y^ towns Invoic in 

y" year; 1685 030 

to Samuell Kemp for sweping the meeting houes 

in y* 3'ear 86 his year began on march y* 10 01 01 o 



94 EARLY RECORDS OF 

to James Parker for worke don at y^ highways 

in y^ year 84 o 06 o 
to William longly for Runing the line betwen 

this & Chelmsford 00 03 o 

to Josiah Parker for y* select mens expences mony 026 

for y^ papr 3 qur 016 

Decembr : 10: 86 Thes aboue named Deebts ware aproued by 

a town voat. 

Atest Josiah Parker Claj-k 

this payd to y^ aboue sd porsons p order of y® select men : 

Decembr. 10: 1686 at a Ginral towne meeting to chons town 
ofesers. cap' James parker was Chose modrater for y' day : for con- 
stabls Christepher hall : and Nicklos cady sen"' 

for select men i cap* James Parker 5 James Parker 

2 John Page 6 Peleg lawranc 

3 Josia Parkr 7 ensi John lacken 

4 John Parish 
Josiah Parker Clarke for this year 

for sauaiers of high ways John Mors John Barron Jonathan 
lawranc nathanell blood 

a comitey chos to tacke notes of incrochments in to high ways & 
towns land lef Willim Lacken sargnt James Knop Copo' John 
page 

and what thay find amis to reglaut &. so to macke ther Report to y' 
select men 

Corporal page chous to Joyne with the former comity to see that 
all y^ seats be filed ; in y^ meting hous : 

Groton. Decmbr : 24: 16S6 At a towne meeting Jams Parker 
Juner was chos by the town to sue John Page for so much as was 
due to M' Gershom hobart in the year that the s'* Page was consta- 
bell the s'^ page Refusing to bring an aquetanc from M"" Gershom 
hobart to the towne and whart charg the sd Parker is exposd to the 
town is to mack good to him 

Atest Josiah Parker Clark 

Decembr 24'^ 1686 : At a Ginrall town meeting: Joseph parker 
sener being Rated for a 28 : acer right for some years past & now 
Refusing to pay for. 10. acres of s"" 28 acres the town deed then by 
voat Detarmen and grant to cap' James Parker the s** 10 acer Right 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 95 

with y" same priueligs that outher ten acer Rights haue had that 
ware lately granted by y^ town y" said cap' parker payeng the dues 
past & to come that shall arise on a ten acre right with all after 
deuishans 

JosiAH Parker Clark 

April 14"" 1687 the Selectmen chose Cap' James Parker & 
Peleg Lawranc to Renew the line betwe Chelmsford and groton 
which thay atended and are to have thre shilings apiese for the 
labor to be payd by y*^ town 06 00 

April. 14. 1687. Sargnt James Knop Zachriah Parker & Joseph 
Gilson ware chose to renew the line betwen mr Jonathan Tyngs 
new Plantaton & our Towne. and thay atended y^ sd work on June 
folowing: 22. & 23 days, for which sd Knop is to Receue fiue shil- 
ings p day & sd Parker & gilson three shiling & six penc p day 
apece. which is to be payd by y^ town, y^ total is 01 = 04 = 00 

June : 14'^ 1687 the comity chosen Decembr: lo"" 1686 this day 
by examanatoun of a high way lying betwen y" lot y' was wilim martins 
& Joseph Lawrance find by euedans y' y^ incrochment in y" high 
way is by the sayd Joseph lawranc except in one Place ouer against 
Joseph lawrancs houes & ther is a swamp oack tree so marked within 
Insin lackens fence and eleswher y'^ high way to Remain & Con- 
tinu four pols wid & what it now wants is tacken out of Joseph 
lawrancs that he now injoys as y^ markes derect : finding him to be 
y^ incrochr : y*^ witns 

Jams Parkr 
Nathaneel blood 
Atest JosiAH Parker toivn clarke 

The Town Dr: 1687 Noumbr. 7 

To Corpral John Page for goeng to Salam to fech ,1 

John Longlys Rats 00 07 00 

to Sag' James Knop and corp' John Page for 

inspecting incrochments 00 04 o 

to Samell Kemp for sweping y^ meeting house 01 01 o 

To James Knop for Reneweng the line be- 
twen m"" Tyngs new Pantaton & our towne 00 10 00 

To capt James Parkr for Reneweng the line betwen 

chelmesford and our towne i day 00 03 o 



CO 


07 





01 


01 





oo 


01 


6 



96 EARLY RECORDS OF 

and betwen m'' tyngs & our towne 2 days 00 07 

to Peleg lawranc for reneweng the line betwen 

Chelmsford & our towne 00 03 

to Joseph Gilson for atending Sarg"' Knop in 

Reneweng y^ line betwen m"' Tynge & 

our towne 
to Purcliis a Constabls Stafe in pay 
to James Parker for saruing an atachment on 

corprall Page 

03 03 6 

Decembr. g. 1687 tliis aboue writon aocoumpt was Read to the 
towne and aproued p y^ s"* towne : 

Attest JosiAH Parker Towne clarke 

Groton. Decmbr. 9'^ 1687 At a ginrall town meeting to chous 
towne ofesers Cap' James Parker chose modrater for that meet- 
ing: Constabel for y^ year. Elias Barron: Select men 

1 Jonas Prescot \_This natne erased. ~\ William green senor 

2 Jonathan Sawtall Samwell Woods senor 

3 Joshua Whitny 

Wiliam Longly Clarke for y" year, 

Surwayers. Zachriah Sawtall 

Wiliam Longly Cornelos church 

SamuU Scriptur Justinen holden 

William Longley was chosen town clerk for the year 1688, 
though it does not appear that he served for any length of 
time. At the first town meeting after his election, Josiah 
Parker was re-chosen to the office, as will be seen by the rec- 
ords of the next meetins:. 



A town Rate mad by the selectmen febuery. 28. 
eng 
wherof ther is payed to those which y* town was 

indeebted to 
of which 5" 2^ 6** was mony 



687. 


contain- 


05 


18 4 


05 


02 6 


00 


07 6 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 97 

Groton maye the 21. 1688 at a genarall Town metten acording 
to law the town did Chuse for selectmen 

Captain Parker Jonah Prescott 

Liftenant laken John Page se 

Peleg lawraiic Josaah Parker 

and for a Commishoner Sargant Jeams Knap 
and for Constable elias baran Josiah Paker Town Clarck 

The record of the meeting as far as this point is in the 
handwriting of Longley, but the other entries are in that of 
Parker. 

for suruayers Zackriah Sawtall 

WilJam Longly Samull Scriptur 

Cornelos church Justin holdeng 

May: 21. 1688 The inhabtants of Groton Granted to Samull 
Adams y" pond that lyes neare buck medow which hath its outlet 
into the medow known by y" name of Tyngs Couee and the swampy 
land adioyeng ther to prouided y^ sd land do not exceed fifteen 
accers ; 

atest ; Josiah F akker C/arie 

and sd adams hath liberty to drean the s'' pond at y" small brook 
that unes in to Tyng's Coue prouided sd Adames macks good all 
dameges that shall be don ther by 

Groton ; May; 21"" 168S at y" anueal meeting 23 of the inhab- 
tans of Groton then uoated that ther should be land sould to the 
uarlow of forty shilings mony at six penc p accer prouided this 
land to be Layed out be taken up be four mills from the meeting 
hous at lest ; 

atest Josiah Parkr C/ark 

at the same time seurell of the inhabtants decented from the 
aboue named uoat and entred ther names 

Josiah Parker 
John Page 
Jam lis NuTiNG 
Groton : May y'^ 21''' day: 1688 at y'' anueal towne meeting the 
Inhabatan of this towne deed then by the maior uoat grant for the 
incoregment of such men as will set up loran works at masabog 
pond; that thay shall haue y- ues & improument of the woods and 
timbr y' is now common one the est sid of uncuttanaset brook and 



98 EARLY RECORDS OF 

so to nashua riuer and groton line est ward & south ward to 

good man greens masobog medow for ther incorigment in y*" s'' worke 

all ways prouided y*" inhabatnts of y*" afere s'^ towne resarue to 

y'" selus the liberty to cut the wood for y" ues of s'' works and also 

for carting of y^ s'' wood or coall prouided y"" s'' workes be up or 

seteng up betwen this day and the 2 1"" day of may next ; no man 

inhabiting with in y^ s'^ town to be hindred from wood or timbr for 

his one ues 

Atest JosiAH Parker Clarke 

A sworn declaration of John Lowwell and Thomas Blan- 
chard, both of Dunstable, is recorded in the Middlesex Regis- 
try of Deeds at East Cambridge {xviii.488, 489), setting forth 
the fact that they were at Massapoag in Groton, on the twen- 
tieth day of May, 1689, and did "help both to dige for & to 
sett up some part of an Iron Worke." From this record it 
would appear that the vote of the town had its desired 
effect. 

July : 13 : 1688 at a meeting of the select men thay then deed 
alow to James fiske Jun'' out of the Rate made to Releue the pouer 
in pay : 12^ : money : 1^:6'' ;^oo = 13 = 6 : 

butt after refused to Receue it at the towns hands. 

A town Rate made by the select men 
containeng £,c) = 14^ = 9'' : ^ money £oc) = 14 09 

Elias Barron gaue in his acomp'^ to y*" towne and y'' Remains due 
to y" towne money: 9^: 10''. and pay: £0 9 = 10 

£2 : 12 = 9 
and from cap' Parker money £0 = 08 = o 

Cap' Parker payed his aboue s*' 8' in nayels for y^ £0 =8=0 
meeting houes 

a a Ginrall towne meeting June. 24. 1689 towne ofeseres chose 
for the yeare ensueng 

John farnworth Constabelle 

select men Jonas Prescott Cap' Parker 

John Parish Mathias farnworth 

\These last four names are crossed out in the original.'^ 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 99 

June: 24'*} 1689 at a towne meeting towne ofesers chose 
Cap' Parker modrator John farnworth cunstabell 

Select men Cap' Parker John Paresh 

Jonas Prescott Josiah Parker Clarck 

John Page 
Suruay'' of highways Cornelos Church Enosh Lawranc 

Stephen holden Mathias farnworth 

John Longley 
fenc ueiwrs Daneil Cadye James Parker 

Ephram Philbrok W" Sandors 

august 12'!' 1689 : at a towne meeting it was then detarmened by 
uoat that thay would geeue to m' Gurshom hobart the anueall alow- 
anc of aighty pounds p yeare in specea acordeng to the former 
agreemen bareng date august, the. 2: 1686: and: 40: coard of 
wood prouided thos men that here after enter ther names do pay 
such mens proporshan of money as do bring in corne to them at 
y" prises folowing wheat at 2^ 6*^ Ry at 2^ Inden corne at iS'' p 
bushell good and marchentabell : the persons that are to pay the 
money are 



Cap' James Parker 
Lef Jonas Prescot 



Prouided thos men that will 

bring in ther corne do enter ther 

names within one weeke after i John farnworth 

the date hereof J Josiah Parker 

Groton : August the : 12* : 1689 ^t a towne meeting it was then 

detarmened by uoate that the select men should forthwith mack a 

teen pound Rate leued on on euery Inhabetant proposhonably to 

maintain soulders at m' hobarts garason : to the number of fouer 

untell thay be orderly Remoued from us 

Atest Josiah Parker Clarke 

August. 12. 16S9 Cap' James Parker : Sarg Jonathan Sawtall 
Decon Lawranc John farnworth 

Cornelos church & Josiah Parker 

Lef Jonas Prescot 

do Respond for the non Resedents Rats to M' hobart for this 

yeares solory 

Septmbr: 30"": 1689 one singel Rate to the Coun- 

S d 

trey is £\\ = 09 05 



lOO EARLY RECORDS OF 

At a meeting Decmbr. lo'I' 1689 then town ofesers chose for 
the year ensueng 

Constabelle Josiah Parker 

for select men Cap' James Parker Corprall John Page : 

Lef Jonas Prescott Lef VViUam Lacken 

Sarg' Jonathan Sawtall 
Surwayers of highways WilUam Green John Page 

lefet Jonas Prescott Simon Stone 
\_In the margiti of the above re/:ord.'\ decmbr. 9. 1690 The fine 
suruayers chose in y^ yer 89 noted to same for the year 90 
fenc uewers Enosh Lawranc Cornelos church 

John Paresh John Cady 

att y^ select mens meeting Decmbr 10: 1689 Joseph Lawranc 

agreed with to swep y^ meeting house hang out y^ flag & carry 

water for Baptiseng children for one yere : & is to haue for y' 

saruis y*^ sum of 26^ ;ifoi 06 00 

s d 

towne deter to Elias Baron £1 02 6 

for shingell & shingling y* meeting house, in 
decembr. 10"' 1689 : 
more for a lader & y^ meting hous 
to Josep lawranc 
. . . Joseph lawrance pay 

' Decmbr. 20'!* 1689 : fiue Pay Rates made by the selectmen con- 

taineng £']2 = 07 = or 

and tow Rates and an halfe money £2,6 = 03 = 06 

Decmbr. 23. 1689 At a towne metting legaly warned one porpos 
to Know the towns mind in what way to Raise Publick charges in 
the towne the towne then unamisly uouted and declared that it 
should be Raised acording to our former custom as it is Recorded 
in the towne book, in the year. 16S1 : 

at the same meeting agreed & noted that that no Indein shall 
come into our towne to dwell or trad without lisanc from authority : 

At y* sam time Jo" Page James Knop and Sam" woods sen"" ware 
chose by the towne to statte y^ bounds betwene the contrey high- 
way & m'' hobarts land & swamp p y'^ Request of seuerall of the 
naibours : m"^ hobart allso hauing notes there of 
Bounds statted the same day & markes made by y*^ aboue s"' men : 



£0 02 





09 





17 





GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. lOI 

April 8"" 1690 William Green beeing ouer Rated to y* contrey 
one hoad to seuen rats and halfe is to be considerd by the select 
men the next Rate 

p ordr JosiAH Parker Clerk 

april the 28'!' 1690 ; tenn Pay Rates £'^\A = 14 = 02 

Septembr. the : 4'!" 1690 tow Rates & halfe money 

beeing £2>^ = 03 = 06 

Octobr 27'** 1690 At a ginrall tovvne meeting it was then uoated 
that thay would pay m'' Garshom hobart aighty pound p year ac- 
cording as it is writen in the towne booke for the yeare insueng ; 
prouided • he come & be with us so that we haue a constant 
soply of precheng the word on lords days by himselfe or som 
other autherdocks minester of y"" gospell : 

Decmb"" : 9''' 1690 towne ofecers chose for y*" year ensueng 
for constabls Zachriah Parker and John Lackan Jr 
Selectmen Lef Jonas Presot Wiliam Longly 

Sarg' James Knop Josiah Parker Towne Clark 
Sarg' John Paresh 
Tietheng men Wiliam Green Nicklos huchens 

Samuell warner sn' Joshua Whetny sen'' 
ouer seeres of swine Jonathan Lawranc Sam" Woods senr 
Sam" Woods Juner Nat Lawranc 
Nick huchens benimn Farner 

Steuen holden Joseph Lawanc 

decmbr. 9. 1690. at a ginral towne meetting it was then uoated 
that master hobart \_The record not completed.'\ 

June. i8'\ 1691. At a ginral towne meeting legaly warned the 
towne being ginerlay together ded then by uoat declar that thay 
would stand to their counant with m'' hobart and honestly performe 
it to him prouided m"" hobart return to us and purforme his duty 
amonst us as was promised by him when we entred into counant 
with him ; viz ; aighty pounds pur year and so yearly ; one forth part 
in money and the other three parts in prouishan as it expresed in 
the counant in the newe towne book and forty Cord of wood and 
so aneuely 
Read and aproued by the maior part of the towne : 

attest Josiah Parker Towtie Clarke 



I02 EARLY RECORDS OF 

The names of those that decent from the aboue s"* towne act but 
do promes for to pay their owne proposhans to m"" hobart of y* 
s'^ aighty pounds and forty cord of wood 

John Page John Paresh 

James Knap Sam" Wood senr 

James Parker Ju"" Tho Tarball 

Nicolos hutchens John Lacken Ju'' 

Zachriah Parker Josiah Parker 

John Lawranc 

Dcembr: lo'*": 1691 Towne offecers chose for the yeare insueng 
Constabls Jonathan Lawrance Thomas Tarball : 

Select men Cap' James Parker LeP Willlm Lacken 

Lef Jonas Prescott Sarg^ James Knap 

Sarg' James Parker Jun'' 
Towne Clarke Lef"^ Jonas Prescott 

Suruayers of high ways Ensign John Laken John Page Sener 
Lef Prescot Simon Stone 

Wilham green 

Enosh Lawrance 
Decmbr. 10: i6gi : Chose for Zach Parker 
fence uears & hoge constables Danel Cady 

J Elezear Parker 
Zakriah Sawtall agreed with to be saxton for y*^ yeare 
Ensuing for which he is to haue twenty fiue shilings ^1=5 = 
agreed upon that a council shall be caled Refuring to y" setl- 
ment of a minester amongest us as that y^ Charges shall be borne 
by the towne ; &c. 

Comisnoers to Try small cases 

Cap' James Parker John Page sener 

Lef Jonas Prescot 

A towne Rate made p y^ select men in y'' year : 169015^ : con- 
taineng ^^3 - 3=0 

which was desposed on as foloweth 
to Joseph Lawrance for sweping y*" meeting house 

and hangeng out y*" flag £^ = 6 = 

to sargn' Knop & Zach Parker 



£o = 


06 





£o - 


9 


= 


£o -. 


3 


= 




5 • 


- 6 


Decmbr. 


10 : 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 103 

for Repayring y'' pound £0 =13 6 

to Renewing y" line betvven Chelmsford 

and our towne 2 days at 3^ 
to James Nutting for katchen of woulues 3 
to Joseph Parker for catching of a wolfe 3'' 
left in y"" constables hands namly 

Zach Parker to purches a lock for y*" pound 
this account was Read and approued by y" towne. 
1691 

as attest Josiah Parker Towne Clarke 

Jonas Prescott, the tenth town clerk, was the son of John and 
Mary (Platts) Prescott, of Lancaster, where he was born in June, 
1648. He held the office during the years 1692 and 1696 ; his 
handwriting is plain, but his spelling is simply abominable. 
He married December 14, 1672, Mary, daughter of John and 
Mary (Draper) Loker, and they had four sons and eight daugh- 
ters. Two of the sons died young, but all the other children 
lived to grow up and have families. The eight daughters, 
with one exception, married Groton men, and were blessed 
with a numerous offspring. He was the grandfather of Colo- 
nel William Prescott, who commanded the American forces 
at the battle of Bunker Hill, and who was the grandfather of 
the distinguished historian. Jonas died December 31, 1723, 
aged 75 years, having filled many important positions in the 
town. 

groton dasamber 21 1691 at a genaral town meting lagaly 
warn & the town being genaraly matt togeth[er] did then uoat that 
thay would inuite som meet parson to prach gods word to them 
with as much speed as as may be 

2 At the same day thay did apoint and by uoat daclare that sa 
Josiah parkar and sar John parish & Wiliam longly «& sar 
James parkar should go down & fach up som meet parsan to 
preach to us & the town is to bare the charg 

groton dasamber 28. 169 1 at a genaral town meting lagalal}^ 
warned the inhabitants did then by uoat daclare that thay would 
giue to the minister m"" hancock aight pounds money for the first 



I04 EARLY RECORDS OF 

quarter of the yere and pay for his bord besides & this to be payed 
by way of Raate 

the same day y- town did uoat that the charges Rafaring to the 
ministers & rooms m"" liobrt & the other minister should be payd 
out of the 3 pound of paper bells of cradit in the capt hand that 
was giuen for scouting 

it was uoated allso that thay would pay 5 shilins par week in 
corn an prouishan for his bord 

John Page goodman woods senr & Joseph lawrence John baron 
Curnals Church & John farnworth was chosen tything men by the 
salackt men for to sarue in the yere 169}^ at a meting of ye salact 
men genware 26 day 1691 

The following entry, from its position in the records and 
from the context, evidently belongs in this place. 

Groton march : 21 : 1692 at a genaral town meting lagaly warned 
the town did then by uoat datarman that thay would giue to master 
hancock the full som of sixtey pound one fourth part siluer for a 
yers salarey for Preaching in order to ordnation in dew time and 
the other three parts in pay corn or prouishon at comon prys & 
mr hancocock bord himsalf 

Jonas Prescott Clark 
daken lawrans John Parish 

Jonas Prescott Cornalus church 

was chosen to dascors with mr hancock to see if he wil acsapt of 
the towns profr 

in groton may the : 16: 1692 the inhabitants of the town being 
mat togatherthis day to consider of som tarmes Rafaring to mr han- 
cocks wadges for praching the word of god to us «Sj thay did this 
day by uoat datarman to giue mr hancock fine pounds in money for 
his praching 8 sabath days before the comminsment and pay for 
his hording and then if he pleas to acsapt of the towns proposish- 
ans in order to satlment in dew time wt the inhabitants of this town 
shall Radely acsapt of him for our minister &c 

Jonas Prescott town dark 

James nuting hath cradit for both his pay Rats 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 105 

May 16: 1692 the inhabitants did the same day uoat tliat the 
town charges for this prasant yere shall be Raised by parsons and 
astats acording to law (Sic 

at a genaral town meting lagaly warned the: 21 : of ocktober : 
1692 : the maiger part of the town then by uoat daclare that thay 
would Rais the Rates for this prasant yere both for minister and 
town by Rateabl astats acording to law 

the same day the maiger part of the town did by uoat daclare 
that thay ware wiling for mr carter to com forth with to be our 
satled minister in order to ordanation in dew time ockt : 21 : 1692 

at the same meeting the town did agree to giue mr Carter for 
this prasant yere the som of sixty pounds in manar as foloweth one 
fourth money the other part in corn and prouisione at town pryse to 
be payed the one half by the first of march and before as he needeth 
it and the other half by the 16. of saptem naxt insewing after the 
dat hereof ockt 21 : 1692 

at a genaral town meting lagely warnid dacember the. 12. 1692 
this day the town did chus for constabls this yere 
nathanil lawrens and steuen holdin 
the salackt men for this prasant yere are these as foloweth 
John farnworth Wilim langly 

Jonathan lawrans Zackrey parker 

Siman Ston 
the same day the 12. of dacember the town did then chuse 
capt parkr and John Page 

laft lakin saner and sarg Knop 

and Samll Woods and Wiliam green 

Jonas Prescott to seat parsons in the meeting hous acording to 
thare best disscrashan and acording to the Ranks & quality of 
parsons 

Wiliam langly was chosen town dark for this prasant yere 
For suruares for this prasant yere are these 

goodm huchins corpral Warnr 

& Samll Parkar tho tarball 

the same day the town did by uaat giue to corpral Warnar a 
small quantety of land lying betwen Joseph gilsons lot and his own 

as atast Jonas Prescott Clark 

the town did the same day uoat to giue for a saxton to swep the 
meting hous & put out the flag and doe all the work of a saxton 
thay wil alow twenty shilins 



3 - 


3 - 


7 


2 - 


7 - 


3 


I - 


4 


I 


I 


12 


6 


5 


lO 


lO 


2 


i6 


7 


7 


5 


2 


6 


14 


O 



IC6 EARLY RECORDS OF 

The Rates mad by the salackt men for the pajmient of the sau- 
eral sames spasifyed in the aboue manshaned sames & commmited 
the constabls 

a Rat mad by the salackt men & commited to the 2 constables 
to Jonathan lawrans constabl money 
& to tho tarball constabl money 
tarbals comon pay 
lauranses comm pay 
the whol som of money 
the whol som of comon pay 
The whol som of the Rates in comon pay 
Raised in the yere 1692 was 
of which the captin is payed 
thare is still in constabls tarbals hand to 

pay to the saxton 051 

thes accounts was Rad & aproued by the town the. 12. of da- 
cember 1692 

as atast Jonas prescott town dark 

James nuting hath cradit for both his pay Rats to the minesters 
bord o I II 

to Wil longly 02 2 

corp Warner 02 o 

William Longley, the eleventh town clerk, was the son of 
William and Joanna Longley, and held the office during the 
year 1693 and until his death in the summer of 1694. His 
father had previously held the same position, and from the 
similarity of their names the two have sometimes been con- 
founded with each other. The tragical fate of the son's fam- 
ily will long be remembered. With the exception of one 
boy, they were all massacred by the Indians on the morning 
of July 27, 1694. They lived about a mile north of the vil- 
lage ; and last autumn the town, in commemoration of the sad 
event, erected a monument on the site of their dwelling- 
house. William Longley made an entry in the town records 
July 19, only eight days before his death, and during the re- 
mainder of the year the records appear to have been kept by 
different persons. In making his records, he used the new 



J 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 10/ 

style of reckoning so far as to begin the year with the first of 
January. His son John, who alone of the family escaped from 
the massacre, subsequently was town clerk during several 
years. 

January i, 1693 at a genaraell town meetting orderley warned 
the town did by the maier uote determine y' they would raise all 
the charge for this present year on untill y^ town see cause to allter 
y^ waye by Ratable estat as foloweth euery maill head at sixteen 
years and upward at one shilline in the single and so to duble with 
ratable estate acording to law each horse 40 shillins each ox at 40 
shillins each cow 30 shillin sheep and swine 4 pound par scor all 
impruf land at 10 shillins par acor exscept pastors and medows that 
are with in fenc a 5 shillins pa.v acor euery house y' hath but one 
schimney at one peney in y^ single and so preportionnall euery 
barn with one baye at one peney in the single and so proportishan- 
able and Liften prescot for his mills at 50 pound in y^ single 

as wittness William Longley fown Clarck. 

ienuary the i — 1693 the town did agree for to alow Samuell 
Scriptor Se and John gree 20 shillins a peess in town paye and no 
more 

the same daye the town did agree to alowe good wife Church 2 
shillins in town paye and no more 

Fabruary the 6 1693 the inhabitanc being met togather for to 
Consider of sum waye for to preuent futar unnessesary charges did 
by uott declare that they would petishone unto the genaraill Court 
that ther representetiue might be relesed from atending the Sesh- 
one any more 

the same daye the town did by uott desclare that they would 
haue dacon Lawranc for to manidge the portistione for them which 
the Comithy hath draw up 

March 6 1693 at a genarall town meeting Legally warned Town 
ofiser were choosen for this year whose names are under writen 
for constables nathanal lawranc and Steuen holden 
for selectmen William Longley Samuell Woods sen 

Joh fannworth elias baran 

Zacarih Parker William Longley town Clarck 
for Commishonnor Jeams parker Junor 



I08 EARLY RECORDS OF 

the Commity for to giue the select men in stractione for this 
year is Jeams Knap John Page sen and william green 
for tiethen men Joseph Lawranc Jeams nuttin 

mathias farnworth danaiell Cadey 

Samuell parker 
for siruars of the hy waye Liftenant Lacken Joshua Whitting se 

John farnworth William green 
for fenc fuer ephram Phillbrick nathannaill blood 

John green William Lacken Ju 

march 6 1693 The orders which the towns Committy gaue to 
the selectt men are as foUoweth 

1 that the Select men tack care that all the town deats that 
apear for to be due be paied both to minis.er and town 

2 that the selectmen giue orders to the siruars of hy waye that 
the Kings hy waye be sophishantly mended and if any comeplaint 
be thorovv the neglect of the select men they shall bare the blam 
and the town be aquited 

3 the shall tack speshall care that no parson or parsons whatso- 
euer shall abide in this town apone any pretenc whatsoeuer unless 
it be such as have paranct frinds or relatione that will Respond 
for the towns sequrity 

4 that they tack care that all swine be sophishantly yocked and 
Ringed for the preuentione of damidg and that all horses that goe 
about the Habitable part of the town be fetered and all other 
Cretor that be unrully be tacken car of as the Law directs and 
that all fensess be Repored acording to Law 

5 that the present charges shall be Leuied by the inuoise that the 
selecttmen mack the Rate by for the Representetiues shall be the 
inuoises for to raise this present charge by which doth apeare for to 
be due 

6 that the select men tack a inuoise sum time the mouneth 
agust for the use of the town or any parson or parson for to seithe 
on they shall be aquited at any asessment Layed on them 

7 and that the selectmen shall raise all the charg for this year 
by Ratable astate as followeth namely euery head at one peney in 
a single Rate exsept it be such parsons thatt are nott ender couer 
barn and such parsons to be, rated at the discrestion of the selectt- 
men and all other estats to be rated as followeth one hors at forty 
shillins and one ox at forty shillins and a cow at thirty shillins 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 109 



sheep and swin at fore pounds pur score and all impruffed Land at 
ten shillins pur acor exsept pastors at fiue shillins pur acor 

8 and whatsoeuer els doth apear for to be of a prudenshall nator 
the select men are Required for to tack care of 

Jams Knap his / marck 

William green his -|- marck 
John Page Seyer 

March the 23 1693 at a meetin of the select men Samuell 
Woods sener was chosen sealler of waits and mesurs 

Groton Aprill 12 1693 Know all peple by thes presenc that 
Nathanaeill Lawranc senor hath Reseiued full satisfactione by the 
select men and Constables for sarueing the town as a Representiue 
at the two first sestione 

I saye reseiued by me Nathannil laurance 

Groton April 12 1693 Know all peple by thes presenc that John 
Page senor doth fully and and Clearely acquite the town select 
men and constables for sarfing the town as a representetiue at the 
first held at boston in ye year 1692 

as witness my hand Joh Page seneyer 

Payed to Nathanail Lawranc se aight pounds in mony 

Payed to John Page se two pounds sixteen shillins and nine 
penc in mony 

Groton May 15 1693 At a genaraell Town meetin order warned 
the town did agree that they would for the present time hire mister 
hobart house for the minister if they can haue it apone Rashanall 
tarms and that they will parchis a piess of Land for the ministree 
and build a house apone in conuenant time waiting apone the 
prouenc of god as it maye direct and it for to Remaine for the 
ministree for euer 

as attest William Longley Town Clarck 

maye 15 1693 the Town being met together ther unto orderlie 
warned then the town did by note declare that they would not send 
nor Choose any parson nor parsons for to Represent them at the 
great and genaraill Corte or asembley 

John page senor Jeams Kemp John Stone and William Longley 
se desent from this note John farnworth and Steuen holden 

The Town Resons is they do not iudg themself layable nether 
acordind to Law nor Charter 

as atest William Longley Totvn Clank 



no EARLY RECORDS OF 

groton august 22 1693 at a genaraell town metting orderley 
warned the town did chouse Captaine parker & Liftennant Lackens 
& liftenant Prescoctt and John page & John farnworth to be a 
Comemitty for to purcish a pease of Land for y^ minstry and ther 
was fore plases propounded which y^ town is willen to purchis 
namely m"' hobarts Joshua wheets John Lawranses and Jeams 
parkers or ether of them 

October the 2 1693 the town did then by uote chouse Jeams 
parker Junor and William Longley Se for to goe down and see for 
a minster to preach the worde of god to them and the town to 
have the charg of it & 

as wittness William Longley towfi darck 

Groton October y* 9 1693 at a genaraill town meeting legally 
warned the maiear part of the town did by uote declare that they 
would giue mister garsham hobart a call to be ther settled minnister 
if he will tack satisfactione with what the town can doo for him & 
for his incoridgment the said town did declare by the maier uote 
that they would giue to m" hobart Sixty pound this present year 
one fouth part in money the rest in Corn and prouishone at town 
prise & forthty cord of wood and the said m"' hobart to rise and faill 
with the peple as the prouedanc of god maye be toward the peple 
and the said town will be at y'' charge of seeking m' hobarts fame- 
lie up againe & the town will giue fiue pound towards the reparing 
m"^ hobarts house one quarter part of it to be in money and the rest 
to be in town paye 

This Record was read in the town meeting and aprased by the 

town 

as atest William Longley town Clark 

October 30 1693 at town meeting Legally warned Capt Jeams 
Parker was chousen to Represent the town at ye great and gena- 
raeell assembly held at boston the eaight day of nouember insuing 
the date here of 

nouember the 14 1693 at a genaraeill town meetting Legally 
warned the town did by the maier uoate declar that they would 
giue m' hobart sixty pound a year to be his standing wages from 
year to year in maner as follows one quarter part in money the 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. Ill 

Rest in Corn and prouishione at town prise indian corn at 3 shillins 
pur busheill rye at 4 shillins par busheill wheat at 5 shillins par 
Busheill Cow beef 3 penc par pound ox buieff 2 peney half peney par 
pound porck at 3 penc par pound this to be his annewell salerey at 
forty cord of wood to be paid by the Last daye of Jenuary insuing 
& the sixty pound to be paied at tow terms one half by the first of 
march next insuing the date hereofe and the last paiment by the 
by the first daye of desember 

nouember 14 1693 at a genaell town meetting Lagally warned 
the town did agree and by the maier uote declare that they would 
giue to m' garsham hobart seuenty pound in spesha as folow sixty 
pounds for his annuell salerey one quarter part to be paied in money 
the Rest in corn and prouishone at town prise to be paied a tow 
tarms and one half by the first of march insuing the date herof 
and the Last payement to be by the first daye of Desember and the 
town to rise as the prouedanc of god maye be towards the peple 
prouided that m"" hobart will continieu to be our setled minister 
we the said town will not faill of thes propersishones 

the other ten pound to be in town paye in the the rum of y*^ forty 
Cord of wood 

this Record was aprased by the the town 

as wittness William Longley Toum Clank 

Desember i 1693 at a town meeting order warned the town did 
agree with John page se to fech up a lood goods from miter hobarts 
for tweenty shillins in town paye 

also they did agree with Samuell Scriptor se and John green for 
rashonall satisfactione 

William Longley John page Ju Zachariah Parker elias baran 
Samuell Scriptor a thomas tarball for to go w' horses to fech us 
up his fameley for fiue shillins apice 

as witness William Longley town Clarck 

sum totle 5 = 11 = 

Jenuary i 169^ the town this daye did ingage to sequer the 
seleck men from any harm or dameidg that they shall meett with 
all in Respect of Decon nathanaell Lawranc in that he doth de- 
mand thirty 6 shillins in money for to be his dew for sarfing the 
said town as a representiue and the town doo Refuse to paye the 
said money the seleck men being estemed as the rest of the inhabi- 



TI2 EARLY RECORDS OF 

tanc in the mater also the town did by the maier uote chouse Lif- 
tenant Jonah Prescot & Jeams parker Ju for to answer in the case 
if the said Lawranc should truble y^ seleck men or town and they 
did exsept of the choiss and they are to haue their paye for their 
pains when the said town is able to paye them 

as wittness William Longley toivn dark 

John page se desents from the aboue mentioned propersistione 

March 5 1694 Those parsons that were chosen for town ofiser 

Samuel] parker and daneill Cadey Constables 

for selectmen Captain Parker Obadiah Sawtle 

John farnworth Cornelaus Church 

Liftenant prescott 
\In the record hook, these names are crossed out ^ 
for ueyer of ye hye ways Jeams Parker Jr Sephen holden 
for hawards Elezir parker & Thomos Woods & for fence uewers 
for tighing men Liftenant Lackens Jonathan Lawranc 

John Page se John Stone 

Samuell Woods 
William Longley Town Clarck 

Captain parker Simon Stone 

Liftenant lakin Zachariah parker 

John farnworth Nathanaeill Lawranc 

William Longley 

\^These nafiies are probably intetided for those of the selectmen which 
are crossed out.^ 

a Commeetee to giue the select men instractions for this yeare is 
John Page se Jeams Parker & Sargant Knape 

the same three men were to tack notes of y' pise of Land which 
Samuell Woods desired of the town and their report of the mater 
the town will tack satisfactione with all the same men are the com- 
mity to exsamin Liftenant prescots Recor 

March 26 1694 The town did by the maier uote determine that 
the Choise of town ofiseser which was in March the 5 1694 should 
be the ofiser for this year both selectmen & Constable tighing men 
& all other town ofiser which was chosen that daye 

Jeams parker Comistioner 
as wittness William Longley tozvn Clark 









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GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. • 1 13 

Groton June 6 1694 A Comitey chousen for to meett with y^ 
Indians to renew the bounds between Nashobah and. the town 
22 instand at 8 Clock in y" morning is Captan Parker Simon Stone 
and William Longley 

June the 25 1694 at a town meetting Legally warned the town 
did chouse for a comity to condser and wade in the mater depending 
between nosobah and the town and they be John page senor John 
farnworth and Liftenant Jonase prescott and they are to act in y^ 
case untill they haue brought it unto a finall issew and they are to 
haue Rashanall Satisfactione for their paines 

as atest William Longley town Clarck 

and thes men are chosen to act in y*^ behalf of the town and as they 
do the town will be satisfied withall 

July 19 1694 at a town meetting Lacally warned the town did 
choose for afesors Liftenan Jonas Prescott John Page se and 
Jeams Parker Junor 

The entry given above was made by William Longley, only 
eight days before he was killed by the Indians. The following 
one is in James Parker's handwriting. 

at a town meting oupon the therd day of October 1694 it wase 
then agreed that the fort aboue M"' Hobrds House shold be fin- 
eshed by the town eurey man payeng on das worke or to shil- 
engse in pay for the daise work tourds the work the Rest of the 
Charg of it to be taxed by a Rat leued oupon eche manse estat pro- 
porsonabely acordeng an inuoic wich shale be taken for that end as 
allso to pay aney or all other town charg that dose apeare to be 
legely and justly dou to aney of the inhabitents of these town 

dacember the 24 1694 at a genaral town meting being lagaley 
warned the town did then by uoat daclare that thay would Rais 
thare town Rats for this prasant yer both for minister and town fine 
shilins sartain upon euery head Ratabl acording to law and the 
Rast of the sam to be Raised upon Ratabl astat lands and cattell 
and improvement 

the same day the town did chuse capt parkar and left prescott to 
go to the genarel cort to prapar & manidg a patishan Rafaring to 
the 4 pound doom which is sant for and to get som other incoridg- 



114 EARLY RECORDS OF 

nient for the town to stay in the town and the patision islaft with 
the salacktmen to draw up for the good of the town and the sam 
cap parkr & left prescott is to haue Rasonabl satisfacktion for the 
same this was don by the major part of the town then mat decem 
24: 94 

Fab 18"" 1695 the town this day by uoat did daclare that the 
patishon that was drawn up and rad in the town meting should be 
prafared to the genarooU cort and manidged by Jonas Prescott 
with as much prudanc as may be 

as at St Nathanill lawranc 

in the nam of ye salackt 

The records of the last two meetings, including the signature 
of Lawrence, were written by Jonas Prescott. 

March : 4 : 1695 : Choise for town oficer for the yeare inceuing 
for constable Samuell Scripture Joseph Cadey 

for select men John farnworth John Stone 

Samuell parker Daniell Cadey 

Thomas Tarble 
Town dark : James Blanchard 
for suruaiers of the high waye Samuell woods Simon Stone 

Samuell warner 
ouerseeers of the swine 

John huchin Beniamen farnwo[rth] 

John Shatducke Nathaniell Bloode 

Thomas wiliames william Lakene 

James Blanchard, the twelfth town clerk, was the son of 
John and Hannah Blanchard, of Charlestown and Dunstable. 
He was chosen to the office in the spring of 1695, and con- 
tinued to hold it — with the exception of the year 1696 — 
until his death, which took place in February, 1703-04. His 
widow, Anna Blanchard, petitioned the Governor and Council, 
March 8, 1703-04, to be relieved from the charges of the 
funeral. This petition begins, " That whereas y"" petition" 
Husband is Lately deced occasioned by y^ hardships and 
difficulties he underwent in y^ Late Expedition under Cap' 
Tyng, & being taken sick, and dying att Charlestown, thereby 
occasioning a considerable charge to Arise." Among the 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. II 5 

items of expenses rendered were : A winding sheet, i8 shil- 
lings ; coffin, 10^; grave digging 7^ 6*^ ; bellman^ i^ ; pall, 5^; 
gloves, £1 I*; wines, sugar, and spice, £1 5^ 9^ The petition 
and account are found in the Massachusetts Archives (lxxi. i.) 
at the State House. In making his records, Mr. Blanchard 
was wont to utilize as far as possible the places left blank on 
the leaves, and sometimes the record of one meeting is found 
on five or six different pages ; and each entry is generally 
signed with his name. 

grorton december 10 1695 at a town meting legeley warned 
the town did then uote that Mr hubarts rate for this year should be 
raised seuen shilings apon the haed and the reast to be raised 
apon rateable estat acording to law 

James Blanchard fown clarke 

march 3^ 1696 Chosed for town oficers the year incewing for 

for constables thomas woods and John Green 

for selectmen cap parker Samuell Warner 

Capt prescott Stephen holding 

Leu' Laken 
for town dark capt prescott 

for suruayiers of the high ways capt prescott James Nuting 
fence ueers Joseph cade Nathanell larrance 

swinerd Eleazer Green Joseph Laken 

Jonas Prescott, the tenth town clerk, was chosen again to 
the office in the year 1696. 

[Gro]ton dacamber y'' 10 1696 at a genaral town meting lagaly 
war[ned] the town did by uoat daclare by mair . . . that yay 
would pay 7 shilins a pees upon ye heed and ye rast of ye salerey 
to be paid upon Ratabl astat acording to law and ye inuoys yt was 
taken in augast 1696 to mak ye ministers Rate by 

atast Jonas Prescott town dark 

the acount of ye salackt men in ye yere 1696 
one Rat mad for ye contrey ye 28 of march 96 being ye Just 
som of 7 = 14 = 8 



Il6 EARLY RECORDS OF 

a 2 Rate mad for ye minister being ye som of 60 = o = o 

be sids wood 40 cord & to John nutin for being a saxton 1=3=9 
and 2 half Rats more mad by ye salackt men for his 

being ye som of 20 = = 

mad in August 28 1696 
all ye Rats mad this yer for town & contry be sids mr 

hubrds wood 10 = o = o 

as atast Jonas Prescott town dark 

for constabls this yere for ye yere 97 

sarg elazar parker constabl John huchins consta 

salackt men for ye yere 97 James blanchard Samuell Parker 

enns John farnworth Simon Ston 
thomas tarball 
for town dark for ye yere 1697 James blanchard 

Capte Parker town tresuer for this yeare 

Nathiell Larranc Graniury for this year 
Stephen holden Saruaier thomas Williams also 

fenc uewer John Green enoch larranc 

feeld driuers daniell perce abrahame laken 

for tiding men Samuell woods sener deacn Whetny 

enoch larrance John Stone 

James Blanchard, the twelfth town clerk, after being out of 
ofifice for one year, was chosen again to the same position in 
the year 1697, and held it until the time of his death. 

at a town meting leglely warned . . . 1697 the town did uote and 
agree that thay would rais Mr hubarts rate this year seuen shilling 
upon the heade and the rest upon the estate 

James Blanchard town Clark 

Grouton October 4, 1697 the town did uote and agree that thay 
would petition the Genrell Corte for help and relefe and easement 
of our rates James Blanchard Clark 

at a town meating captin parker and insigne farnworth shoud 
goe and mannige the petition at the gennell corte 

at a town meting legelely warned in march i : 1698 
for constable thomas williams and Ben farnworth 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 11/ 

for select men Cap' parker James Nuting 

Cap' prescote John Stone 

insign farnworth 
for grand iurey Sarg warner James Blanchard Clark 

forfenc newer thomas woode epraham Perce 

surueirer of the high ways Eliazer Parker John huchin 
for to take inuarce thomas tarble 

for hoge constable obadiah sawtell and Samuell Woods 

december 21 at a town meting legely warned the town did then 
uote and declare that y^ will chuse to men for to be the towns agents 
for to maniadge the case a bought the brigde and for to imply a law- 
yer in the behalfe of the town and that y"* will raise money for to 
bare the charge of said men James Blanchard town dark 

at a town meting legely warning december: 21 169S. capan 
Prascott was chosen for to go to chelmsford to meett with the 
commety and insign farnworth was chosen for to go with him to 
chamesford James Blanchard town Clarke 

december: 21 1698 at a town meting legelly warned the town 
did uote and chuse capt prescott and insign farnworth to go to 
Chelmsford to mete with the commete and to act in the towns be 
halfe acording to there best discrestion refering to billarca bridg 

James Blanchard town Clark 

December 21 : 1698 : at a town metinge legelly warn the town 
did chuse capt prescott and Insign farnworth to be the to men for 
to acte in the towns be halfe for to do the work Spock of in the 
other uot James Blanchard town Cla[rk'] 

at a town meting legelly warned the town did : uot that thay 
would rais a rate of twelue pound six pound in money and six 
pound in contrey paye for the paying of towns depts 

James Blanchard town Clark 

\_Date uncertain^ at a town meting legly warned the inhabitenc 
did vote that thay would raise the ministers Rate this year seuen 
shilling upon the heade and the reast upon the Estate 1698 

James Blanchard Clarke 

Sargt Larrnce and Eliazer Parker are chosen for to take the 
towns inuoyce for to make mr hubard rate this yeare insuing 

Groton march :: 30 1699 at a town metin leagelly warned the 



Il8 EARLY RECORDS OF 

inhabitence : did meate and for constabs chosen Samuell Warner 
and John Stone 

and for town Clark : James Blanchard 

and for selectt men Capt Prescott and capt Parker and thomas 
tarble James blanchard & Samuell Parker 

for suruarers of the high ways : for this yeare Enoch Larrance 
and James blanchard 

Simon Ston for suruaire 

for fence men Joseph laken and Joseph Cade : 

for tiding men : Joseph Larrance Samuell Parker insign farm- 
worth Samuell Woods Sener : 

for to inform the suruair of the high ways where the high ways 
is Left Laken Samuell Woods and Samuell Scripter are the 
men : 

at a town meting legelly warned May 9"" 1699 : Capt : Prescot 
was chosen for to atende the genrell Cort : for to same as a repre- 
sintiue James Blanchard Clark 

grouton augest 22 at a town meating legelly wai'ned capten 
prescot was chousen commisener for this yeare and James Blanch- 
ard was choesen to tak the inuoyce 

august 22 1699 at the same meting the town did uote that thay 
would Raise a town Rate of six pounds in mony for defraying of 
town charges : at the same meeting the town did uote that thay 
would rais the town rate by the cuntry inuoyce 

At a town meting leagely warned august 122: the town did 
uote : that thay would build a cart bridge ouer Lancster Riuer at 
groton 

at the same meting the town did uote and declare thet Capt 
parker and Captt prescotte and insigne farnworth should be a 
commety to uew the place whe the bridge should stand and to agree 
with men for to under take and bulde saide bridge August 22 1699 : 

Groton decmber : 4 1699 ^t a town meeting leagell warned the 
town did uote that thay would rais the minister's rate for this year 
seven shilling upon the : head : and the reast : upon thee estae tell 
the sum be made up as atest James Blanchard Clark 

december 4: 1699 the town : did uote: and declare: thay would 
giue : mr hubart for this year three score pound as thay did y*" last 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. II9 

yeare one quarter part in mony and the Rast in town pay and forty 
corde of woode 

At a town meting leagelly warned the town did vote upon furder 
consideration that thay give Mr huburt fiue pound more for the 
year insuing then he had the last year 

March 7 1700 at a town meting legelly warned chosen for gran- 

iury for this year daniell Cade Sener for Constables for this year 

chosen daniell perce and Abraham : laken 

for town this year chosen : town Clark James Blanchard 

chosen for Select men this year 1700 thomas tarble Eliazer 

pai'ker Samuell parker thomas Willimes James blanchard 
for suruaier this chosen epraham and Joseph Laken 
fence ueers : Steuen holding and Josep paraham 
for hoge constable and John perham and John Shatduck and 

Jonathan Keemp 

for tiding men : this year Joseph larran Samuell Woods sener : 

James Nuting and Samuell Warner: 

Groton nouember 12 1700 at a town meting legelly warned the 
town did : note y' y' would rais M'' huburt rate for this year seuen 
shilling upon the head and the rast upon the Estat rateabl 

James : Blanchard Clark 

at the same metting the town did uot and declare that thay 
would giue mr hubart our minister sixty seuen pound ten shilling 
one querter part mony and the other three quarter in corn and pro- 
vesion and forty cord of woode for the yere insuing 1701 

James Blanchard Clarke 

at the same meting the town did uot y' ya would rais the town 
charg according to to the cuntry rate James Blanchard Clark 

at the same meting the town did uote that the meting hous 
should be mended and that the select men would agree w' one fore 
to do the work James Blanchard Clark 

deacon wwhitny Insig farnworth : liften larrance thomas tarbell 
danniell Cade chosen for to seat the meting hous 

nouember 12 : the town did uote and that Eliazer parker was 
chosen for to act in the towns behalfe and sue any that cut or cary 
any timber of the towns common or to agree w' any that shall 
trancgres in that nater James Blanchard Clerk 



I20 EARLY RECORDS OF 

at the sam meting the town did uot that thommas tarbell daniell 
Cade James Blanchard ware chosen for to sell the highg way that 
runs to broad madow throw his land James Blanchard Clarke 

at the same meting nouember 12 the town did uot that mr huburt 
should haue his pay one halfe by the last of March and the other 
halfe by- the tenth of nouember next insuing and the forty cord of 
wood by the last of Janeury James Blanchard Clarke 

aggust : 13 : 1701 At. a town : mettLng legely warned the town 
did chus Joseph laken to take : the Inuoyce 

James Blanchard Clark 

Groton September = 6 = 1701 Sworn by the Select men ben farn- 
worth sworn to the offis of Suruaiere 

December 10*'' 1 701 At a town meting legelly warned the town 
did note and declare that thay would giue mr hubart our minister 
for the year 1702 : Sixty seuen pound tenn shilling one querter 
money and the other three querters corn and prouision at town 
price and fortye cord of wood James Blanchard Clarke 

at the town meting at the same time the town did uote that thay 
rais the ministers rate this year seuen shillings upon the head and 
the rest upon the estate James Blanchard Clark 

December lo'*' 1701 at a town meting legally warned the town 
meting legelly warned the the did uot that thay would giue m" 
hubart his wood as formerly James Blanchard Clark 

December 10 : the town did uot that thay would rais fiue pound 
In mony for defraying of town charge James Blanchard Clarke 

the town did uot that the commety shall not lay any land to any 
pertickeler parson at Nashobah end of the town 

James Blanchard Clarke 

The ouer plush of the Rate last made and now in the harxds of 
Capt Prescote is ninetene shillings whic to be returned to the town 
trsuore James Blanchard Clarke 

\_Date uncertain?^ At a town meting legelly warnede decem- 
ber 29 the town uot and agree that thay wold agree with Indianes 
upon reasnable tearemes and the town did uot and chus Cap' 
prescot Insign farnworth thomas tarbel and dannel Cady and 
James Blanchard 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 121 

\_Date uncertain,'] at a town meting leagelly warned the town 
did chus James Blanchard 

at the same meting Capt Preascote was chosen for to acte in the 
town behalfe to manadg a petition for the the town in referring to 
bilracaci bridge and to get away to Concorde 

James blanchard Clark 

at the same meting the town did uote that any man in the town 
should haue Hberty to brake up any out land in the town and to 
improue it seuen yeare and then layd down againe . . . stuable 
againe : James blanch [ard] Clarke 

an acounte of three town rats raised for the defraing of town 
charges the sum of the rats apoue mentioned thirty tlire pounds 
seuen shillings and paid out of said rate by the town tresuer to 
seuerell parson to whome : it was dew 

In : mony i6 = i6 = 1 1 

and In payd out of the same rats 13 = 15 = 1° 

Beii farnworth debter 00 = 02 = 06 

Abrahm laken debter Hafe mony 02 = 04 = 09 

daniell perce debter In pay 00 = 06 = . . 

recued febuory 6* 170^ 

at the same meting the select men did alow the tresuer 

eightten shillings 
Received of Abraham Laken constable 

too pound fouer shillings and ninepence 

halfe mony and the other halfe pay 

James Blanchard that being the full 

of what was behind of his rate 

2 4 

\There are some other figures in the margin of the record book, but 

they do not appear to have any connection with the text ; in fact, it 

might be difiicult to discover any between those that are given and the 

text.'] 

At a town meting legelly warned march 9* 1702 the town did 
uote and Chuse for Constables Joseph Laken and Epraham Phil- 
brook and for town Clark for the yeare Insuing James Blanchard 
and for Selectmen decon Whitney Liueten Larrance Samuell Parker 
for Survarer of the high way 



GO 


18 




16 

00 


16 
18 


II 


01 


02 


4 


00 


or 


3 


01 


00 


10 



122 EARLY RECORDS OF 

Chosen for gran Jury for the yerar Insu Benjmen farnworth 

for select men chusen deacon Whitney liutetie Larranc Samueii 
Parker 

Chosen for suruaiers of the highway thomas tarbell nath wood 
John Chaduck John Perhame for tiding men for the year 1702 
Simon Ston thomas WilUams James nuting John huchin for 
fence newer Joseph Cade thomas woods for hog constable William 
Whitney Nathaniell Woods James Blanchard Clarke 

\_I?i the original record the Italicised words are crossed out by a line 
drawn through the7n.~\ 

at a town meting legelly warned March 23 1702 chosen for 
select men for the year Insuing liften larrance Capt Prescott Sam- 
ueii Parker thomas tarbell benimen farnworth 

James Blanchard town clarke 

for hog constable Samuell Shatduck and William Shatduck 

at a town meting legelly warned the town did uot that thay would 
rais a town rate of six pound ten shillings and four pence for the 
paying of captin Prescott John nuting Joseph Parker william laken 
for runing the line and Insign farnworth whi and James blanchard 

James Blanchard Clarke 

at a town meting legelly warned the town did chuse Insign 
farnworth lifte larance and thomas Williams for a commity for to 
lay out land to thos to whome it is wanting thay makeing it so to 
apere James Blanchard Clarke 

groton : Jun : eight' 1702 at a town meting legelly warned the 
town : did by note declare that thay would haue an artis : to lay out 
our madow at nashobah line and the land that the town : did grant 
to water power [Walter Powers ?] and danell powers 

James Blanchard Clark 

and at the same meting the town did chuse Capt Prescott to 
agree with an artise to Do the aboue sd worke and the artis not to 
exceede six shillings per day James Blanchard Clark 

at the same meting the town did uot that the artis shall begin at 
the lower end of beuere brook runing up the brook tell he cums 
to reedy [mea]dow and then runing up redy mady tell that is . . . 
and then runing up beauer brook tell that . . . and than Into long 
madow 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. I23 

at a town meting legally warned Jun eighte 1702 the town did 
uote that thay would giue Peleg larraness Eairs three acers of 
madow whare thay ust to Improue and tenn acers of upland neare 
that madow upon the Conditions following that the aboue sd Peleg 
larrances heirs do deliuer up that Indian titelle which thay now 
haue to the town James Blanchard Clarke 

at a town leaglly warned Jun : eight 1702 the town: did uot that 
thay would giue to robart robins Sener three acers of madow where 
he uste to Improue : and ten acers of upland near his madow upon 
the Conditions forlowing that he aboue sd Robart Robbins doth 
deliuer : up that Indian titels which he now hath : to the town 

James Blanchard tojun Clarke 

Groton december : 11 : 1702 at a town meteing legally warndid 
the town did uote : that y"^ would giue Mr hubart our minister for 
the year 1703 Seuenty pound one quarter part in mony and the 
other three quarters In prouition : and ten pound In wood at feiue 
Shilling per Cord : the wood to be all payed In by the last of Jneu- 
ary or fiue Shilling In pay In the leue of one cord of woode 

James Blanchard town Clark 

At the same meting the town did uot that y"* would rais Mr hub- 
berts rate for y' year i7o[3] seuen shillings upon the head and the 
remainder by the Cuntry Inuoyce James Blanchard Clark 

March: i* : 1703 at a town meting legely warned chosen: for 
constable : for the year 1703 chosen for constable thomas Chamber- 
lin for the second constable John Perham for the year 1703 : for 
town clack for this year James blanchard 

for select men for the year 1703 : Samuell Parker James Nuting 
James Blanchard for tiding men Joseph gilson Benjmen farn- 
worth Samuell Wood Zechriah Satell 

for Suruaiers of the high ways for the year 1703 John lagely 
Joseph farwell Joseph Perham Eleazer green 

for fences ueiwers thomas Williams and John hoar 

James Blanchard Clarke 

At a town meting legielly warned April 21"': the town did uot 
that : Insign farnworth should be the Commisinor. to tak the Inuoyce : 
with the select men. 

at the same meting the town : did chuse Eliazer parker to discorce 



124 EARLY RECORDS OF 

John Applin of Watertown : to see If he will come : up to groton 
and keep scole to tech children and youth to reed and right and to 
know his terms and bring his term to the Select men : who are Im- 
powered by the town : to agree with sd man : for one year 1703 

James Blanchard Clark 

May 17 1703 at a town metting legelly warned the town did by 
uot declare that thay would pay deacon larrance the mony that the 
deacon demande for saruing the : town as ane represintiue In the 
year 1693 

the town did uote and declare that thay would borrow the mony 
of thomas Williams for four month and pay for the use of it one 
shilling James Blanchard Clark 

for seating of the meting house capt parker capt Prescott 
Insign farnworth leuten laken Samuell Woods Sener 

The following items appear on a loose leaf, and refer to two 
children of John and Hannah (Aldis) Farnsworth. 

John farns desessed 19 Saptam 1703 
Rachall farnswor born 8 desembur 1704 

Groton December 20 : 1703 At a town meting legelly warned 
the town did uote and declare that thay giue Mr hubart for the first 
half of the year 1703 thirty too pound one quarter part mony the 
time begining the tenth of december tell the tenth of June next in- 
sewing James Blanchard Clarke 

thomas williams decents from the aboue writen uote nathaniell 
woods obadiah Satell decent from this uote 

Eliazer parker decents from y^ uote 

groton Janeuary 25 at a town meting legenly the town did uote : 
that thay would rais a town rate for the paying of capt prescott and 
other town charge the sume to be raised : IS \Left uiijinished?\ 

This fragment is in the handwriting of James Blanchard, 
who died a very few days after it was written. 

Thomas Tarbell, the thirteenth town clerk, was the son of 
Thomas and Hannah Tarbell, and was born at Groton, July 6, 
1667. He held the office during the years 1704 and 1705. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 125 

His handwriting was fair, but his spelling execrable. He was 
the father of the three children carried into captivity by the 
Indians, June 20, 1707. His death took place January 24, 
1717. 

grotton march 8 1704 at a legal town meteng the town did yot 
that thay wuU met for the futer to chus town ofesurs the fust tus- 
day of march anuelly Thomas tarbell Clark 

groton march y8 1704 Thomas tarbell town dark Thomas 
Williams gran gure : Joseph gelcun cunstable Ephrem pers cun- 
stable selectmen Samuell parker Joseph laken Thomas tarbell 
tithen men John Shaduck Joseph Larrance Samuell Screptur se 
Nathanell woods Sauayars hy ways Jonathan laken & John daues 
Jonathan farnsworth thomas chamburlen sworn fans yuers Jona- 
than boyden william laken Samuell Screptur iu Ephrem felbreck 
sworn 

grotton march 8 1704 the town ded declar by yot that thay do 
imploy capt prascot to go down to the genaral cort to Indeuer to 
g[et] an an abatmant of our cuntary rats 

Thomas tarbell town darke 

Nouember 21 1704 at a town metting legaly warned the town 
did chused leftan lawra and John Ston to go to mr dark and mr 
estarbrucks for furthar aduic concarn mr hobart and to prosed 
from that acording to thar disscracun for the good of the town 

THOMAS TARBELL clcirke 

at a town meting legully woorned the town did chus Joseph laken 
and thomas tarbell to luck ouer mr hobiirds rats and to racun with 
thos that ar behind to clear the old arrars 21 nouember 1704 

THOMAS TARBELL dark 

at a town metting legally warned the town ded chus left lawranc 
& thomas tarbell to go to the genarall cort to cary in a petecun for 
to Indeuer for to get an abatmant of our tax and so what may be 
dun concarning our minestur this is to be dun by the charg of 
the town this 19 of desember 1704 

atast THOMAS TARBELL Clarke 

at a town metting legally warned 22 ganawari 1704 5 the town 
deed then uot that thay woold geue mr hobart for the time past 20 
pounds on quartar part mony Thomas tarbell Clark 



126 EARLY RECORDS OF 

at a town metting legally warned the town deed chus leftten law- 
ranc & thomas tarbell to agree with summ menistur to cum & 
prech with us if any can be found 22 Janauary 1704 5 

Thomas tarbell Clark 

A at a town meting legally wared march 9 1705 simun ston is 
chose to sarue for the Insuing yer for the graniuri 

THOMAS TARBELL dark 

the nams of town oficurs for the yere 1705 thomas tarbell dark 
Nathanil woods & elezer green sworn as cunstables for the yere 
1705 cap prascot John ston & thomas tarbell as select men for 
the yere 1705 sworn sworn samuell shad & danill cady Jonathan 
boyd baniemen farnswor as suruayers of hyway for this yere 1705 
Samuell Parkar & Samuell Woods as fans }Tiars for this yere as 
fens yaars 1705 sworn Obadiah sawtel & John shattuck tithenmen 
John huchins & John Sheply as hog cunstables for thes yere 1705 

THOMAS TARBELL dark 

At a town metting legalli warned the town did declar by uot that 
thay wold haue thomas tarbell go to the gouernur & colinol ting for 
to petescun relef for chamburlens mell by on or 2 men And the 
said thomas chamburlen bars the charg thar of 

Thomas tarbell dark 

At a town meting legalli warned the town did declar by uot & lat 
all the commun madow In our town to William Whetne for sexs 
shellings moni the Insuing yere 9 of march 1705 

a Thomas tarbell Clark 

at a town meting legali warned t 9 of march 1705 the town did 
grant to thomas chamburlen 2 accurs of land on the sutherdly sid 
of the pond by his hous mor or las in two parts & the said [Chjam- 
burlen to alow a h)'- way of 3 [po]ll wid from the hy way to his own 
mel In the most conueniant plas and to mak and maintain a breg 
at his own cos ouer the buck . . . mel pond 

[Thomas] tarbel Clark 

Groton May y^ 8 1705 then capt prascot was chosen to sarue as 
a rapresentetife for the yer Insuing Thomas tarbell Clarck 

the 8 of May 1705 the town did chus a comete to take an 
acompt of the town charges that is du to pur teckeurlur men & for 
the select men to Rais a rat upon pols & estals acording to the 
cuntary euoys (the comety is) sarg nathanell lawranc Samuell Parker 
& Joseph gilson Thomas tarbell Clarck 



A 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 12/ 



At a town metting legally warned this i8 of June 1705 the town 
did declar by uoite that thay do desiar mr Odle to continu with us 
for sum longer time as we can agre with him for 

Thomas tarbell Clarck 
Att a town meting legulli warned this 18 of Jun 1705 : the town 
did chus left lawranc John Ston & Thomas tarbell to disscors with 
Mr Odle': & to agre with him for sum farthar time : 

Thomas tarball Clarke 

groton iun the 25 1705 the selectmen this day haue apoyntted 
the hy way from beuer brooke madows along the rod now improued 
to the fordway at spactecull brook throu elezer lawrances land whar 
the way now gos & is staked out coming out behind the sd lawrances 
hous & so contennuing to the towns common in the most conueniant 
plasce for the banifit of the in habitants | of fore pol wid & if the 
aboue sd elezer lawranc deziers to haue this way oltured he finding 
a conueniant way aboue his feld or by his hous to the sattesfacteun 
of the select men it shall be alowed 

Jonas Prescot 

John ston select men Atast Thomas tarbel dark 

groton Jun the 25 1705 the select men haue this day apoynted 
A hy way going out out of the hyway by that gos from goodman 
Pages hous by brood madow begening at Danel cades cornur throu 
John Longl5's land 3 pol wid to to the madow & throu the madow 
two poll wid cuming into the hy way that cums throu obadiah satals 
land John Longly geues this land & madow thes way is to be capt 
with gats or bars Thomas tarbell Clarke 

The following entry appears to be the rough draft of the 
one that comes immediately after it, 

the town did uoat this day that thay would giue to Mr Jon Odly 
in ordr to satlment to be the towns minister & the churches ofissur 
the sam of 60 pound for his sallarey this yere & one 100 p to prouid 
him salf a place to satl on 

At a town meting legally warned the town did declar by note this 
thurd day of July 1705 that they would giue to Mr John odly in 
ordur to satlment to be the towns minister & the churches ofissur 
the sum of 60 pounds for his sallarey this yeere & on 100 pounds 
to prouid him salf a plase to satel on Thomas tarbell Clarke 



128 EARLY RECORDS OF 

Joseph Lakin, the fourteenth town clerk, was the son of 
Ensign John and IMary Lakin, and was born at Groton, April 
14, 1670. He held the office during 1706 and 1707, when this 
volume ends, and many subsequent years. His handwriting 
was intolerably bad, and his spelling as incorrect as that of 
his predecessor. He died April i, 1747. 

Groton march the 5 = 170^ at a towne meting legally warned to 
chuse town officers as follovveth to wit Joseph lakin Towne Clark 
Jonathan Page constabel and Jonas Prascot inner constabel for the 
year insuing for selact men Joseph lakin Samuell parkar nathaniel 
Woods Simin Ston Robart Robin and for saruayai's thomas cham- 
brlin Samuell Shattuck hazackiah whitcom Samuell Barrand | fane 
uewers thomas woods John Sheple | and John longly town seallar 
of waits and masurs and Joseph lawrance thomas tarbel tithingmen 

Joseph lakin Town Clark 

Groton march the 5 = 1705-6 At a towne meting leagaly worned 
to cliuse offisors for the year insuing' thay did by note chuse John 
huchin garan iuery man and for a commity to lay out land Joseph 
lakin Samuell parkar Robert Robin of this town 

At a town meting leagly warned in Aprell the 9 1706 this town 
did by uot ass you may see on the othar side of this Leafe and all 
so did uot that they would giue mr Bradstret one hondred pounds 
mor as money to satell him selfe in this towne our minister during 
life Joseph Lakin Town Clark for Groton 

The following entry contains the paragraph referred to, as 
" on the othar side of this Leafe." 

Groton At a town meting legally warned this Aprell the 9. 1706 
the town ded By uot giue Mr bradstret thre scoar pounds thirty 
pounds in money and thirty pounds ass money in priuison ass 
foloeth indon corne 2 shilings one bushil and ry 3 shilings one 
bushil and Wheat 4 shilings and Porke 2 Pance a Pound and Beef 
ox beefe 3 hapenc a pound and i fard[ing] a bound for cowbeefe 
for Peeas 3 shilin . . . bushil 

Groton April this 9 day 1706 at a Town meting legaly worned 
the towne did by uot chuse the selact men for a comity to lay out 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 12g 



the hi ways betwen insin farnsworth and Eben tarnsworth and so 
along betwen indin hill medow and Satwels Patchis and so the most 
conuenint place in to the contery rode four pool! wide and this 
Rood on the couth sid of half moon madow 

Joseph lakin c/ar^ 
and at the same meting thay did all so chose Insin farnsworth 
Simon Stone Joseph lakin to discorse mr bradstret ass the town 
consarnin his satelmant with us this year 

Joseph lakin dafi 

Groton may the 8 1706 At a town Meting legaly woned thay 
ded by uot declare thay would and doe desire that Thomas Cham- 
berill mill may bee up helde by a solgar or solgars for the good of 
the town by a patition to the cort or athoratie 

Joseph lakin fown dark 

Groton May the aight day 1706 At a town meting legally worned 
for to se-e consarning M' brodstreets settlement the town ded by 
uot declare that thay would make a good house of 38 foot long and 
18 foot wide and a leantow of a foot wide all the langht of the 
house and thay will finish it comfortably this house to bi of 14 foot 
beetwen iants Joseph lakin Clarck 

and the same meting ded all so by uot declare thay would buld 
a good letell barne for a mr brodsteret 

At the same meting tay haue chose a comitie to under take \^Left 
unfinished^ 

Groton May the 8 = 1706 At a towne meting legaly worned the 
town chose a commity to uew that hiway by nathanill woodsis house 
and so alttar and turne that way if thay see acauson the men 
chosen are 

Simon Ston "| 

Samuill Parkar 1 are the comety chosen to turne 

Robart robin j that hiway if thay see cause 

Joseph lakin J 

attast Joseph lakin town Clarck 

Groton May the aight 1706 At a town meting legally worned to 
chuse a repreasantiue the fre hooldars and othar inhabitants quala- 
fied acording to law did by the maior note couse Simin Stone for 
this year 1706 a represantetiue Joseph Lakin town dark 



130 EARLY RECORDS OF 

Groton May the aight 1706 at the same meting the tovvne did 
by uot chuse a comity to lat out M"' brodstreets hous and barne and 
to by a place for the minister to build 

the men chose for the same 



Thomas taibol 
Joseph lakin 
Danil Cady 
Samuell Parkar 
Nathanil Wods 



a comity for 1706 

this towne 



Joseph lakin Clark 



Groton June the 20= 1706 at a town meting leagely worned they 
did by uot make this way that was arst in Jun the 25 = 175 now maid 
uoid 

Groton June the 20 day 1706 at a town meting leagaly warned 
the toown did declear by uot that thay would cleare and pay with 
and to m' Brodstret this halfe year Joseph Lakin darck 

Groton June the 20 day 1706 At a town meting legaly worned 
the towne did declear by uote that thay woud pay the one halfe of 
the purch of that place which We are about to by of Captin Parker 

Joseph Lakin Town Clarcke 

Groton June the 20 day 1706 at a town meting leguly worned 
thay did declar by uot that Captin Prascot shall haue what is his 
dew from the town to him Joseph Lakin Town darck 

Groton June the 20 1706 at a town meting legaly worned the 
town did agre with Zachariah Sawtell and Sargant lawnic for 12 
thousand of marchiantabel brick and 3 thousand of samman brick 
the 12 thousand at 18 shilins par thousand and the 3 thousand at 
half prise 

Groton June y^ 20 1706 at a towne meting legaly warned this 
towne did by uot giu to Jonathan Kamp that contribuchan money 
which m' Bradstrat hath now in hand Joseph lakin dark 



Groton August the 22 day 1706 at a town meting leagaly worned 
to see what way to raise the ministers Rate then thay did declair 
by thare uote that thay would haue it fiue shilins upon the head 
and the rast upon the eastats Joseph lakin Towti C/arck 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 131 

Groton January the 8 day lyof the highway near Nathanill 
Woosis hous whear he now dweleth is allowed and turned marked 
& layd out Betwext Samuill Parkars land and nathanill Woodses 

land away as the marks direct first on the north a black oke 



and on the south a white oke Y marked near said Woodses wall 
and then four poll wide as the marks direct betwixt said parkar and 
said wood . . . runing into the highway to brown lof plain . . . 
commity and select men 

attest Joseph lakin town clafk 



A LIST 

OF 

THE TOWN CLERKS OF GROTON, 

From 1662 to 1707; 
with their terms of service. 



The years are given according to tlie new style of reckon- 
ing. The town was attacked by the Indians in the spring of 
1676, and abandoned by the inhabitants until March, 1678. 
Jonathan Morse, William Longley, Jr., and James Blanchard 
died while holding office, — Longley being killed by the In- 
dians July 27, 1694. Joseph Lakin, the last one named in 
this list, continued to serve as town clerk during many years 
after 1707. 

^*-RlCHARD SaWTELL 1662-1664. 

James Fisk 1665. 

William Longley 1666, 1667. 

John Page 1668, 

Richard Blood 1669. 

John Morse 1670-1676. 

James Parker 1678, 1679. 

John Morse 1680, 1681. 

Jonathan Morse 1682-1686. 

JosiAH Parker 16S6-1691. 

Jonas Prescott 1692. 

William Longley, Jr 1693, 1694. 

James Blanchard i^95' 

Jonas Prescott 1696. 

James Blanchard 1697-1704. 

Thomas Tarbell 1704, 1705. 

Joseph Lakin 1706, 1707. 



EARLY LAND-GRANTS 

OF 

GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 



5j<Ko 



THE Colonial governments of Massachusetts and Plym- 
outh, as well as the Provincial government of Massachu- 
setts, granted from time to time to certain persons tracts of 
land suitable for townships. These persons, called proprietors, 
frequently had an equal number of shares, but sometimes one 
proprietor would have more than another, and they called their 
shares by such names and styles as they pleased. In Groton, 
these were called " acre-rights ; " but sometimes, as in Bridge- 
water, they were called " purchase-rights," and at other times, 
as in Nantucket, "cow-commons," or "sheep-commons." 
These proprietors organized as a corporation, chose a mod- 
erator, clerk, and all needful committees, at their meetings, 
and, pursuant to the vote of the majority, allotted the lands 
to individuals of the corporation or proprietary, as occasion 
required, in proportion to their respective shares. In the 
course of time, the lands of the proprietary were all distrib- 
uted, as appears by their records, which, for the most part, 
have been preserved. These records are of two kinds : first, 
those of the votes of the corporation, and secondly, those of 
the location of grants to individuals of the corporation, which 
last records are analogous to the Registry of Deeds. The 
landed history of the old towns in New England is full of 
interest, and to these records we must recur to obtain the 
early portion of such history. 

The township of Groton was equal to eight miles square, or 
sixty-four square miles, — equivalent to 40,960 acres, and the 



134 EARLY RECORDS OF 

whole number of "acre-rights " belonging to the original pro- 
prietors was 827, owned by 5 1 persons. According to this 
calculation, in a general division of the property at the outset, 
the owner of a single " acre-right " would have been entitled 
to nearly fifty acres of land, and the larger proprietors to a 
similar proportion. The division of land, however, was not 
made all at once, but at several different times, and the 
amount set off to each one was determined somewhat by its 
value. Considerable land was sold at the start in order to 
raise money to build in part a meeting-house, and to defray 
certain other public expenses ; and, even after this was done, 
many thousand acres still remained unsold. This undivided 
land was generally called the " town's common " or " town's 
commons," or the " common land." The proprietors of the town 
probably never received from their "acre-rights" — or stock, 
as we should call it — any dividends in money. Their profits 
came from the division of lands ; and the current expenses of 
the corporation were met by the income from the sales. The 
first division was made, doubtless, as early as the year 1661, 
when a Committee, appointed by the General Court, October, 
1659, to consider certain difficulties that had arisen in connec- 
tion with the settlement of the town, made a report recom- 
mending : — 

" I That the old planters & theire Assignes whose names are 
John Tincker Rich : Smith. W" Martyn. Ri : blood Rob' Blood & Jn" 
Lakin that they reteine & keepe as theire propriety, (of such lands 
as they now clajme an Interest in) each of them only twenty acres 
of meadow twenty acres for the house lott tenn acres Intervale 
land & tenn acres of other vplands & that the same be sett out by 
a comittee so as may not vnequally prejudice such as are or may 
be theire Neighbors 

" 2 That the neere lands & meadows, be so deuided as may ac- 
comodate at least sixty familjes & for that end That the first diuis- 
sion of lands be made in manner following viz such as haue one 
hundred & fifty pounds estate shall be allowed equal w*** old 
planters aboue & that none exceed & y' none haue lesse than tenn 
acres for theire house lott & fiue acres of meadow two & a halfe 
acres of Intervale & two & a halfe of other lands for planting lotts 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 135 

in theire first divission & that none be admitted to haue graunts of 
lotts there but on Condition^ following "... — General Court 
Records, iv. 371. 

Tiie selection of land by the early settlers was governed 
largely by circumstances not now clearly understood. A 
man's lands were widely scattered, and he might want a cer- 
tain piece because it joined his neighbor's, or for some other 
simple reason. At times the division was made by lot, which 
fact furnishes the origin and explanation of the American use 
of the word lot, as applied to 'a portion of land measured off, 
or appropriated to any particular purpose. It is recorded in 
the Groton town records, November 30, 1663, that 

"Its agreed that when all men hav their full allowan of medow 
The residue shall be devided to the p'sent inhabitants by lot ac- 
cording to every mans proportion " 

It should be borne in mind that the first settlers of the 
town did not attach the same signification to the word meadow 
which now belongs to it in New-England, where it means low, 
swampy land, without regard to the mowing. They called by 
the name meadow all grass-land that was annually mown for 
hay, and especially that by the side of a river or a brook, and 
this meaning of the word was the common one in England, 
whence they brought their language. They sometimes spoke 
of a swamp, meaning by it what we call a bog, but much of 
this kind of land has since been reclaimed, and is known with 
us as meadow. As a matter of fact it happened that the lands 
which could be mown for the fodder were low lands, and it 
would require perhaps less than a generation to transfer the 
meaning of mowing lands to the low lands, which were about 
the only ones that could be mown in the early days of the 
colony. This explanation will make clear the following vote 
of the town, passed February 18, 1680: — 

"At the same meeting it was agreed vpon and voted that M' 
Hubberd should haue all the comon which was capable to mak 
medow in swan pond medow vp to the vpland for seauen acre and 
a halfe for to mak vp his fifteen acres of medow " 



136 EARLY RECORDS OF 

Many words in common use in early times have changed 
their meaning, and others have dropped out of the language, 
Spong, spang, or spung — different forms of the same word, 
found several times in these grants — is a case in point. In 
its struggle for existence, it has not survived, because it was 
not needed. James Roberts's land-grant speaks of "two par- 
cells or spongs ; " William EUuee's, of " the northermost spang 
of Buck medow," and John Page's of " severall spongs or an- 
gles." It was a local word in England, used in Suffolk, and 
meant " an irregular, narrow, projecting part of a field, whether 
planted or in grass." (Moor's " Suffolk Words," London, 
1823.) Another obsolete word found in these grants is " hole," 
of which the signification is not so clear. The record of 
Joseph Parker's land speaks of an acre lying "In a hole neare 
the Angle medow ; " and that of Cornelius Church's, of a 
tract of " land containing two holle or three of swampy 
medow ; " and Timothy Allen's grant mentions three acres at 
"Skull holl." J. C. Atkinson, in his "Glossary of the Cleve- 
land Dialect," — a dialect spoken in a district of Northumber- 
land, England, gives " Holl ; a deep narrow depression in the 
surface of the land or place, of no great longitudinal extent." 
The preposition tJirotigJi is spelled thorow in these records, 
showing its old pronunciation and its kinship to thorough. In 
the early records of the town, " angle " and " squadron " were 
used to denote districts, and these words are other instances 
of the natural changes in the language. At a meeting of the 
selectmen, held December 27, 1669, it was agreed upon that 

" euery man work proportionabley according to his estat and that 
the wayes are to be mended in the seuerall anggells of the towne " 

and again at a meeting, held January 18, 1671, it was 

" agreed vpon by the select men for the diuiding of their seuerall 
sqvadrons and for the calling out of their men to work that is within 
their seuerall sqvadrons as is exprest in their seuerall papers " 

Both of these words are found in the records during many 
years, in connection with the schools, meaning what is now 
known by districts. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 137 

There was a second division of land made at a very early- 
date. In the record of Sergeant James Parker's lands, there 
is a reference to three acres in Plain Meadow " that was laid 
out to James Knop in the second division." This tract of 
meadow is mentioned in Knop's or Knap's grant, which is 
dated " 6"* 5™ 1666," and, perhaps, refers to the division au- 
thorized by the town, October 8, 1665. 

At a town meeting held in Groton, December 24, 1662, it 
was voted that 

" all the lands that are or here after shall be granted shall be 
recorded with these expressions following, viz : To such a one or 
such a one &c : Ten or : Twenty Acars so & so bounded be it es- 
teemed more or lesse " 

On November 30 of the next year, it was voted that 

" every man of this Town shall bring a note of all his lands or 
their lands Bounded & abutted vnto y^ Town-Clark being subscribed 
by two that helpt to lay them out and then the said dark shall re- 
cord them in the Town Book and giue to each a Transcript of his 
land acording to the Towns record which shall be vieued by the 
Select [men] both originall & coppy and if y^ originall Town Rec- 
ord & y* Transcript be found to agree then each mans Transcript 
shall be subscribed by the Town Clark " 

In accordance with these votes, the grants of land were 
recorded in the book, which contained also the public acts of 
the town. This practice was kept up during a period of 
twenty years, when it became somewhat inconvenient. About 
this time it was customary for the town to choose a committee 
to instruct the selectmen in the management of public affairs, 
and one of the "instructions " for the year 1682 was that 

" the salackt men are to tak spashal care that thare bee a town 
book & a sofishant man chosen to racord our lands as may stand 
acording to law " 

In compliance with this recommendation, John Morse, who 
previously had been the town clerk, was chosen as the " so- 



13S EARLY RECORDS OF 

fishant man." He was probably the fittest person in town for 
the position, as he wrote a good hand and was famiHar with 
the duties of the office, having previously recorded in the town 
book most of the land-grants. He began the work in the 
autumn of 1683, and in the course of a few months had copied 
into the new book from the old one all the grants as they 
stood at that time. After the transcript was completed, the 
new book was used for the subsequent grants until it was full, 
when the record was continued in other volumes. 

In the year 1664, a controversy sprung up between the town 
and John Lawrence, about some land. In itself, it was of 
little moment ; but in its consequences it affected the whole 
town. The question was referred to an arbitrating commit- 
tee, which decided against Lawrence, who, of course, was 
dissatisfied with the result. The matter afterward came up 
at a town meeting, September 21, 1665, and in substance was 
reconsidered. It was then voted that — 

" John lawranc senf shall quiatly posese and Inioye a passelle of 
land in controuersey and allredey within his ffenc and a Joyning to 
his house lotte contining too acors mor or lesse bounded west and 
south by the hye way and north and east by his own land & granted 
to him as a grantiuety " 

At the same meeting, it was 

" also granted that eury Inhabetant shall haue the like priuledg 
proposonally " 

Some additional action was taken in this matter October 
10, 1665, when it was 

" voated by the town y' in considration of a grattiaty formerly 
granted to eury Inhabetante anserable to John lauranc sen his grante 
y^ 21 of the seaventh mo* 65 y^ eury man shall haue liberty to take 
vp 6 accors to a twentey accor house lote, and in case it Joine to 
his house eury man shall take vp pposonabl ther vnto respectng 
such as haue eyther the holle or any part therof alredy, but if mor 
remote eury Inhabetant shall haue libert[y] to take vp too for one " 

Other instances of gratuities — or accommodations, as they 
are sometimes called — are found in the records. A brook 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 1 39 

» 

and a highway in the neighborhood of some of them, have 
taken their names from the word, and to this day are known, 
under its contracted form, as " 'Tuity Brook," and " 'Tuity 
Road." 

Sometimes land was given in order to induce settlers to 
come and abide in the town. At a meeting, held probably in 
April, 1669, it was 

" by vote granted to Robert parish . . . [Park]er and timothy 
Couper that th[ey shall be] and now ar free Comoners for wood 
and timber and for there owne Cat [tie] as other men of this towne 
haue paying to all towne Charges according to there proportion " 

A free commoner was one who had a right to use the 
common or undivided lands, free of charge. At the same 
meeting 

" the towne did solemlie determine to take in no more but a tay- 
lear and a smith and Consedering the great Charg that hath bine 
vpon the present inhabitants the do now by vote declare that by 
way of grant or gift directlie or indirectlie as a towne and the 
townes mind herein declared by vote the second of June 1669. 
onely a smith and no other " 

Immediately afterward, ten of the proprietors gave twenty 
acres of land to Robert Parish, which was not done 

" as a towne act but out of everie mans owne petikuler Right 
provided hee Come and settell amongst vs a townes man and not 
other wayes " 

At a town meeting held June 8, 1680, there were granted 

" to Thomas Beall of linn tanner ten acres of land by the town 
prouided he come and liue among them and he not alienating nor 
selling it " 

The following extracts from the records show — to say 
nothing of the town clerk's spelling — what was done fre- 
quently at the early town meetings. 



140 EARLY RECORDS OF 

Under date of December ii, 1682, — 

" it was uotyd and a gred upon that tha that was chosin too sell 
land for the finishin the meetin hous was too sell no mor " 

And again it is recorded : — 

" at a gennirall Toown meeting 2 5d 4 m 1683 A gred upon and 
uotyd that the Toown wooU sell land for too pay thar present deews 
and the Comity shall sell no land within too mill of the metin 
hous and the Comity shall sell no land undr twenty ackr & eck- 
sept it be furst brought too the Toown at a ginaruU Toown meting 
and if the Town doo determined too sell such land the Comity may 
Deed it lagully 

" The in habitenc of This Toown have liberty too by land att a 
uallowabll Prise of the Comity so noe land shall be soald undr 
Twell penc A nacker " 

The law authorized the proprietors of lands lying in com- 
mon to dispose of or divide them ; but it was not until March 
25, 1713, that an act was passed, prescribing the mode of call- 
ing a meeting of such proprietors for this purpose. Under 
the provision of this statute, a meeting of the proprietors of 
Groton was called, March 4, 1717 ; and, from that time, sepa- 
rate records were kept. Before the passage of the act, there 
was no distinction between the inhabitants of the town and 
the proprietors. 

At a meeting held September 5, 1721, by adjournment from 
April 28, a division of the common land was made, allowing 
two acres to each acre-right, of which one half was to be laid 
out on the east side of the Nashua River, and the other on 
the west side. Another division was voted January 17, 1726- 
27, giving the same proportion of land to the owners ; and 
subsequent divisions followed, on February 9, 1741, November 
14, 1748, and a final one on February 4, 1760. After this last 
division, the proprietors continued to hold meetings at varying 
intervals until November 28, 1829, when they confirmed the 
sale of land made March 21, 1828, to Phinehas Nutting. This 
was the last tract of common land belonging to the original 
grant, and contained about six acres and a half. It was situ- 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 14I 

ated somewhere between Cady Pond and Brown Loaf, and 
fetched sixteen dollars. 

The association known as the Proprietors of Groton is now 
dissolved, and the meeting on November 28, 1829, is the last 
one that ever will be held. 

The following land-grants are copied from " The Indian 
Roll," and comprise some that are not found in the proprie- 
tors' records. These grants, with a few trifling exceptions, 
were made before the town was burned by the Indians ; and 
the entries of them in the record-book are now on loose and 
detached leaves. Considerable interest and value belong to 
them, as they indicate the sites of the house-lots where the 
earliest settlers lived, which, in some cases, can be identified. 
The families of Allen, Barron, Boyden, Cady, Clary, Crisp, 
Elluee, Fisk, Garfield, Knop, Martin, Onge, Parish, and Strat- 
ton, — names mentioned in these grants, — are no longer rep- 
resented in this neighborhood by living descendants. Cady 
Pond, Knop's Pond, and Martin's Pond, however, perpetuate 
three of the names. It is thought that the surname of Elluee 
no longer exists in New England. In this word the u had the 
force of a v, and the name was pronounced as if written Elvy. 
Perhaps it has passed into another form. The surname Onge 
is also believed to have died out in New England. It may 
have been changed to Young, as it is sometimes spelled Oung 
in the County records. The names of certain hills, meadows, 
and ponds, familiar to us as household words, are mentioned, 
showing that they were given in the earliest days of the town. 
Among them are the names of Gibbet Hill and Brown Loaf, 
Broad Meadow and Half-Moon Meadow, Martin's Pond and 
Baddacook Pond, and others equally well known. Many 
places, then called by names which are now forgotten, can be 
recognized from the description of them. Cow Pond, Massa- 
poag Pond, Sandy Pond, and Spectacle Pond, all were named 
at a very early period in the town's history, Nonacoicus was 
an Indian name given to a place now included in Ayer. It is 
a little singular that Squannacook, also an Indian word, is not 
found in these records ; it was in use, however, as early as the 
year 1683. I am unable to identify Pine Hill, or Barralock 



142 EARLY RECORDS OF 

Hill, mentioned in Samuel Woods's grant. Indian Hill, or 
Hills, as the expression frequently is, was probably the range 
of hills beginning near James's Brook, a mile south of the 
village, and running in an easterly direction, on the south 
side of the " Great Road " to Boston. Horse Hill, spoken of 
in Mr. Willard's grant, lies mostly in Dunstable, overlooking 
Massapoag Pond. Cow-pond Brook, Massapoag Brook, James's 
Brook, Sandy Brook, Hawtree Brook, and Unqueternorset 
Brook, sometimes called Unquety, are familiar to the present 
generation. The meadows are more numerous, but not many 
of them have kept their designations ; though perhaps a few 
are still known by the old names in their immediate neighbor- 
hood. Among them are the following : Accident, Angle, 
Brook, Buck, Burnt, Cow-pond, East, Flaggy, Flax, Ferney, 
Little Half-Moon, Lodge, Long, Maple, Pine, Plain, Pretty, 
Providence, Quosoponagon, Reedy, Rock, Round, Sallo (per- 
haps sallow, a species of willow). Sedge, Sledge, South, Spang, 
Spot, Spruce, Swamp, and Weavers. Angle Meadow and 
Plain Meadow were situated in the northerly part of Groton, 
and Burnt Meadow in the vicinity of Cow Pond. Cold Spring 
was " on y® Left hand of the high way that goe to Reedy 
medovv," — which meadow, also in the northern part of the 
town, still keeps its old name. Flaggy Meadow and Ferney 
Meadow were near Brown Loaf, and Rock Meadow in the 
neighborhood of Snake Hill. Quosoponagon Meadow was 
"on the other sid of the Riuer," perhaps toward Squanna- 
cook, and Buck Meadow in the eastern part of the town. 
Among these entries, no allusion is made to woodland, for the 
reason, doubtless, that wood was so cheap and common. 

The "general field," frequently mentioned in these grants, 
refers to land owned in severalty by a number of persons, who 
turned it into one field, for reasons of mutual advantage. The 
terms " sergeants field " and " Sargeants field medow," also 
mentioned, I do not fully understand ; perhaps they refer to 
Sergeant Parker's field. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. I43 



EARLY LAND-GRANTS. 



A Record of the severall Propriators of Grotoii, their Names 
and La7ids, which hath been orderly ^sented to the Towne 
Clark. Revised & aprovcd by the Selectmen, acording 
to an Order of Towne bearing date Nov cm. 30, 1663. 

THE LANDS OF WALTER SKINER. 

1. His Vplands. To his house lot with som adition therevnto, 
twenty & eight acres by estimation, more or lesse, bounded on the 
north with the vpland of Timothy Allen, and on the west with 
Timothy Allen, and on all other poynts with the hie-way and town's 
comon. 

2. Three acres & a halfe by estimation, more or lesse, bounded 
south-west with the hie-way, north-west w* Joseph Parker, north-east 
with comon land, south-east with Timothy Allen and Walter Skiner. 

3. His Medow. In fflaggy Medow, six acres by estimation, more 
or lesse, bounded on the north with y^ medow of James Parker, and 
all other poynts on comon land. 

4. In Broade Medow, two acres by estimation, more or lesse, 
bounded north with the land of John Nutin, east with the lands of 
James Parker, south with the lands of John Baron & Benjamine 
Garfield, west with the towne comon. 

5. One acre of medow, more or lesse, lying in two parsells, bound- 
ed west with the pond, & all other poynts with the town's comon. 

6. In Maple Medow, two acres by estimation, bounded south- 
west with the medow of Samuell Woods, north-west with the medow 
of Joshua Whitny, and all other poynts on y^ towne comon. 

Jan, 21, 1663. Revised, aproved, & confirmed (according to 
order of towne) by the Selectmen. 



144 EARLY RECORDS OF 

This Indenture wittnesseth that Water Skinner hath sold, giuen, 
granted, and exchanged, his six acres [of] meadow, more or lesse, 
lying in Flaggy Meadow, bounded on the north by the medow of 
James Parker, and on all points w"" y*" town's vplands, to and with 
Sarauell Woods, his heirs and executors and administrators, for euer. 
And also, this Indenture wittnesseth that the sd Samuell Woods hath 
sold, alienated, giuen, granted, and exchanged, to and with the aboue- 
sd Water Skinner, his three acres of meadow, more or lesse, lying 
in Vncattenorset Meadow, bounded west southwardly with Richard 
Blood's, and on all other points with the town's vpland and riuer ; 
and with three acres, more or lesse, lying in Mapple Meadow, bounded 
south west with the meadow of Just. Holdin, and on [all ] other points 
with the town's vplands and Wa[lter] Skinner's owne meadow ; for 
him, the sd Walter Skinner and his heirs, executors, and administra- 
tors, for euer. For the true pformance, the pties abouesd haue entere 

... set to their hands, 2f' 2"° 1666. 

his marke 

Water (/) [Skinner], 

his . . . 
Samuell [Woods]. 
[I]n the psence of vs, 

Witfe LONGLEY, 

Nathanil Lawrance. 



THE LANDS OF CHRISTOPHER HALLE. 

1. Jlis Vplands. And ffirst, his hous-lot, with that w*' adjoyns to 
it, thirty acres, more or lesse, bounded north w' y*" lands of Jonathan 
Crisp, south w' y* lands of Daniell Metup, east with the hie-way, west 
with the town's comon. 

2. In the Generall Field, three acres & a halfe, more or less, 
bounded north with the land of AUexander Rouse, southerly with y^ 
lands of James Blud, westerly w' y" river, esterly w' y^ hie way. 

2. His Medow. And ffirst, in Broade Medow, two acres, more 
or lesse, bounded northerly with the medow of Benjamine Garfield, 
southerly with the medow of Joseph Parker, esterly with the land of 
James Parker, westerly w' y^ town's comon. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. I45 

2. In Pine Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded southerly 
with the medow of Benjamine Garfield, northerly w'*' the medow of 
John & Nathaniell Lawranc, or one of them, easterly and westerly 
with the town's comon. 

3. In fferny Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded westerly 
with y^ medow of Jacob Onge, esterly with the medow of Daniell 
Metup, and on all other poynts with the towne comon. 

4. In fflaggy Medow, three acres, more or less, bounded esterly 
w' James Parker, westerly with Jonathan Crisp, northerly with y'- 
medow of James Parker, and southerly with the town's comon. 

5. In Reedy Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded west with 
the medow of John Lakin, esterly with the medow of John Baron, 
northerly with the town's swamp and vpland, southerly w"" the 
hieway. 

6. Two acres of medow, more or lesse, bounded esterly with 
y^ medow of Jacob Onge, & on all other poynts w' the town's 
comon. 

Decem. 2, 1664. Revised, aproved, & confirmed, by the Select- 
men, acording to order of towne. 

One pcell of thirteen and a halfe acres of vpland, bounded with 
[th]ree lines, i on the south, the 2 north east, and the third nor[th 
wejst. And also, this writing wittnesseth that Christopher [Ha]ll hath 
laid downe for common land, fine acres & a quarter ... in the Gen- 
erall Feild, it being his owne pportion, and an . . . quarter that the 
sd Hall bought of Elexander [Rouse] ... act and deed deliuered 
into the Towne Clerk hands. 

THE LANDS OF CHRISTOPHER HALL. 

1. Medows. In fferny Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded 
westerly with the medow of Christopher Hall, and on all other poynts 
with the town's vplands. 

2. In Spot Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded on all poynts 
with the town's vpland, and the nearest medow to it is John Clary's, 
his Cow-pond Medow, which psell of medow is alienated by Joseph 
Morsse for two acres in fflagy Medow which was somtimes the sd 
Christopher Hall's, as is specifified in the record of the sd Joseph 
Morsse, vnto which alienation the wiues of them both doe giue their 
consent to the giuing vp their thirds. 



146 EARLY RECORDS OF 



THE LANDS OF DANIELL METUP. 

1. His Vpla7ids. And fifirst, his houslot, twenty acres, with an 
addition, more or lesse, bounded southerly with the land of Benjamine 
Garfield, northerly with the land of Christopher Halle, esterly with 
the hie-way, northerly w' y^ town's comon. 

^, . . f 2. In the Generall Field, one acre and three roode, 

This 'Si 

more or J bounded westerly with the riuer, esterly with the hie-way, 
lesse as j southerly with the land of James fifisk, northerly with y" 
i^ comon. 

2. His Medowes. And ffirst, in Broade Medow, one acre, more 
or less, bounded southerly with the medow of Benjamine Garfield, 
northerly with the medow of John Baron, westerly with the town's 
comon. 

2. In Pine Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded north 
esterly with y*" medow of Ralph Reede, southerly with y*" medow 
of Benjamine Garfield, east & west with the town's comon. 

3. In fferny Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded westerly 
with the" medow of Christopher Halle, & on all other poynts with 
the town's vpland. 

4. In Spot Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded on all poynts 
with the town's vpland, and the nearest medow to it is John Clary, 
his Cow-pond Medow. 

5. One acre of medow, more or lesse, bounded north esterly w' y^ 
land of John Mos, south west with the town's swamp, & on all other 
poynts with the town's vpland. 

December 2, 1664. Revised, aproved, & confirmed by the Select 
men, acording to order of y*" towne. 

A further grant vnto these aforsaid lands as a gratuity only, the 
aforsaid lands lying in the Generall Feild, being laid downe as 
common land for the town's vse, and then the grant is foure acres 
and three quarters, bounded on all poynts with common lands. 



THE LANDS OF JOSEPH PARKER. 

His Vplands. And ffirst, his hous-lot with som additions there 
vnto, forty & eight acres, more or lesse, bounded north on the land 
of James Roberts, & on all other poynts w' y* hie-wayes. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 147 

2. Eleven acres, more or lesse, of vpland & swamp, bounded 
southerly on the land of James Roberts, west northerly on the land of 
William Longly, & on all other poynts with the town's comon. 

3. In the Generall Field, six acres, more or lesse, bounded west- 
northerly with the land of James Knop, westerly with the lands of 
John Mos, & on all other poynts w' y^ hie-wayes. 

4. ffourteene acres, more or lesse, bounded north on y* land of 
James Parker, south & west w' y" land of William Longly, & on all 
other poynts w' y^ town's comon, 

[This last paragraph is erased in the original.] 
2. His Medowes. And fBrst, in Broade Medow, six acres, more or 
lesse, bounded southerly with the medow of John Page, north with the 
medow of Christopher Halle, east with the medow of James Parker, 
west w' y" town's vpland. 

2. In Browne-Loafe Hill Medow, eight acres, more or lesse, bound- 
ed north easterly with y* brooke, & on all other poynts w* y* town's 
vpland, 

3. At Vnquetenorset Brooke, lyeing on both sides of it, t\vo acres, 
more or lesse, bounded north westerly with the medow of Joseph 
Gilson, & on all other poynts w* y^ town's vpland. 

4. Lieing on Vnquetenorset Brooke, one acre, more or lesse, 
bounded south-easterly w' y® medow of WiUiam Longly, & on all 
other poynts w' y^ town's vpland. 

5 . Lieing on Vnquetenorset Brooke, four acres, more or less, bound- 
ed south-easterly w' y^ lands of William Longly, & northwesterly 
& on all other poynts with the town's vpland. 

6. Two acres of medow in Swamp Medow, more or lesse, lying 
in two parcels near together, bounded on all poynts with the towne's 
comon. 

7. In Angle Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded westerly with 
the medow of James Parker, & on all other poynts with the towne's 
vpland. 

8. In a hole neare the Angle Medow, one acre, more or lesse, 
bounded on all poynts w' y* town's vpland ; and was given him over 
& aboue with respect to the badnes of his other medow, 

9. In Swamp Medow, four acres, more or less, [bounded] east Avith 
y^ medow . of William Lakin, & [on all other] poynts wath the 
town's vpland. 

10. In Prety Medow, four acres, more or lesse, bounded westerly 



148 EARLY RECORDS OF 

w* -f medow of John Lakin, easterly w' y^ medow of James Parker, 
& on all other p . . . 

II. Of vpland, fourteen . . . [mu^/i forn.'] 

13. One acre of medow, more or lesse, [bounded] south with the 
iijedow of James Parker, west with the medow [ofj Benjamine 
Garfield, [and] on all other poynts with the town's vpland. 

December 2, 1664. Revised, aproved, and confirmed by y*" Select- 
men, according to order of towne. 



THE LANDS OF JOHN PAGE. 

1. His Vplands. And fifirst, his houslot, twenty acres, more or 
lesse, bounded east wdth the hieway, west with the town's comon, 
north with the land of Joseph Blud, south with the land of Nathaniell 
Laranc. 

2. Twenty acres, more or lesse, bounded east with the land of John 
Page, west with the town's comon, north with Joseph Blud his land, 
south w' y^ land of Nathaniell Laranc. 

3. Seaven acres, more or lesse, bounded east with the land of 
Richard Blud, west with the hieway, north with the land of James 
Parker, south with the land of Nathaniell Laranc. 

4. ffifteene acres, more or lesse, bounded west with the river, east 
with the land of Samuell Davis, & on all other poynts with the town's 
comon. 

1. ffour acres, more or lesse, bounded south west w' y*" land of 
Nathaniell Laranc, and vpon all other poynts with the river. 

2. ffour acres, more or lesse, bounded north east with y" land 
of Nathaniell Laranc, south west w' y^ land of John Longly, & 
on all other poynts w' y*" river. 

2. His Medoives. And fifirst, in Broade Medow, four acres and a 
halfe, more or lesse, bounded east with y^ medow of Timothy Allen 
& the medow belonging to the minestry, west with the town's 
comon, north w' y^ medow of . . . Parker, south with the medow of 
Richard B[lood]. 

2. In Rock Medow, six acres, more or less, bounded north with 
the medow of Thomas Boyden, south with the medow of John Barron, 
east & west with the town's comon. 






O V. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 149 



3. In South Brooke Medow, three acres and a halfe, more or lesse, 
lying on both sides of the brooke, bounded south with the medow of 
Richard Holden, & vpon all other poynts with the town's comon 
& Long-medow way. 

4. Lying vpon both sides of Sandy Brooke and vpon both sides 
of the Major's brooke, eight acres, more or lesse, bounded east with 
the medow of James Knop & Ellis Baron, south with the medow 
of William Longly, west with Major Willard's hne, & vpon all other 
poynts with the town's comon. 

5. At Vnquetenorset four acres, more or lesse, lying in severall 
spongs or angles, bounded north w' y- medow of James Blud, and 
vpon all other poynts with y^ town's comon. 

[In the margiti.'] This psell of medow at Vnquetenorset alinated to 
William Lakin. 

Decem. 2, 1664. Revised, aproved, & confirmed by the Select 
men, acording to order of towne ; provided y' if the towne shall 
see good to view his acomodation of medowes, & shall finde that 
his medowes be not equivolent . . . medowes. Then ... to make 
it equiv . . . But if his medowes be found much be [low] eyther for 
quantyty or quallyty, then the overplus is by agrement to be desposed 
of by the towne, provided allso, that Nathaniell Laranc haue his acre 
& halfe (w'^ is involued with in the eight acres at Sandy Pond & 
the Major's brook) made as good for its part as any acre & halfe 
John Page hath or shall haue with in the foresaid eight acres. As 
John Page hath promised before the Select men. Decem. 2, 1664. 

December 27, 1664. It was this daye votted and granted y' John 
Peage shall haue al his medow confirmed to him acording as it was 
layd out by the Survayers, and y' he shall from this day forth, peacably 
inioye it without desturbance, not with standing any former ordr to the 
contrarye. 

James Fiske, in the name of the towne. 



THE LANDS OF JOHN PAGE. 

His Vplands. Twenty acres, more or lesse, lyeing at Sandy 
Brook, bounded with Major Willard's corner tree, south with his 
owne medow, and on all other poynts with the town's comons, only 
their is a highway of ten poUe wid goe in thorow it to mill, and at 
the brook two poll wid. 



150 EARLY RECORDS OF 



2. For Medoiv. One acre and a halfe, that is at Sandy Brook, 
involued in John Pag's medow, which was to Nathaniell Lorance, 
and is now layd out to John Page. 

2. At Cowpond Medow, layd out to John Page, fiue acres, mor 
or lesse, bounded northeast with Thomas Tarbull, Senior, south west 
with Nicolas Cady, south east with the broke, and on all other 
poynts with y^ town's coinon. 

3. To John Page one acre and a halfe, mor or less, on the east 
sid of the broke, bounded south with Jonathan Morsse, and on all 
other poynts with the town's coSion. 

4. One acre and a halfe, mor or lesse, lyeing near Simon Stone's 
medow in two patches, bounded round with the town's common, 
each patch by it selfe. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

J[oHN Morse], Clark, Janevary 3, 1669. 

THE LANDS OF JOHN PAGE. 

Medows. Six acres, mor or lesse, in Broad Medow, bounded 
south west with Ralph Reed, and south east with Jonathan Sawtell, 
north east of the medow of John Page and John Morse, and on all 
other poynts with the town's common, which medow John Pag had 
of Ellis Barron for sixe acres which was his in Rock Medow. 

One acre and a half, more or lesse, bounded north and south 
with the riuer, west with his own land, and east with the common, 
which acre and half lye pt vpon the necke. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morse, Clark, Febr. 24, 1670. 



THE LANDS OF THOMAS TARBOLE, SENIOR. 

I. His Vplands. And fBrst, his hous-lot, twenty acres, more or 
lesse, bounded north w' the land of Richard Sawtell, south & 
south east with the land of Jams Knop, west with Broade Medow, 
east with the hie way. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 15 I 

2. Ten acres of swamp, more or lesse, bounded north with the 
swamp of Richard Sawtell, south east with the swamp of Jams 
Knop & EUis Baron, south with the hie way, north east w' y^ 
medow of James fi&sk. 

3. Thirty acres of vpland, more or lesse, bounded north with 
the land of Thomas Boydon, Richard Holden, & the town's comon^ 
west with the land of Justinian Holden, south w' James his brooke, 
and east with the hie-way. 

4. In the Generall Field, seaven acres, more or lesse, bounded 
west with the lands of John Mos, east w' y'' land of William Lakin, 
south with comon land, north with the hieway. 

His Medow. And ffirst, in Broade Medow, fine acres, more or 
lesse, bounded north with the medow of William Longly, & on all 
other poynts with vpland, and vp to the town's hye way. 

2. In Littell Halfe-mone, two acres, & more or lesse, bounded 
east with the Medow of Daniel 1 Pierce, west with the medow of 
Ellis Baron, & north & south with vpland. 

3. In Littell Halfe-moone, two acres, more or lesse, bounded 
north east with the medow of Richard Holden, & on all other 
poynts with swamp & the town's vp-land. 

4. Lying vpon the South Brooke by y^ pond, nine acres, more 
or lesse, bounded south-west with the medow of Ellis Baron, & on 
all other poynts with the town's vp-land. 

5. In Long-Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded east with 
the medow of William Longly, west with the medow of James Knop, 
north & south with the town's upland. 

6. In South Medow, three acres and a halfe, more or lesse, 
bounded north with the medow of Justinian Holden, south w' y* 
medow of Joseph Blud, west with the medow of William Longly, 
& east with the town's vpland. 

Decem. 2, 1664. Revised, aproved, & confirmed by the Select- 
men, according to order [of the] towne, provided y' if the nine 
a[cres] . . . South Brook is to be twenty ... as is reported . . . 

Thomas Tarbole doth consent, that if the towne make it vp nine 
acres of moable medow, they may dispose of the remainder. 

December 27, 1664. It was this daye voated and granted, and 

is herby declared, y' Thomas Tarbole shall hencforth quiately 

posese and inioy all his medow acording as it was layd out by the 

suruayers, not withstanding any former agremente to the contrarey. 

James Fiske, in the name of the town. 



152 EARLY RECORDS OF 



THE LANDS OF THOMAS TARBALL, SENIOR. 

1. Medow. Thre acres, more or lesse, lyeing at Cow Pond 
Brook, bounded south with John Page, and on all other poynts 
with the town's vplands, which medow he had by way of exchang 
with John Prestcoat. 

2. Vpland. Seaventeene acres, mor or lesse, bounded south 
east sid of Sandy Pond, and on all other poynts with the town's 
coiSons. 

These two last psells of land are annulle, and to be accounted 
noe record. 

THE LANDS OF THOMAS TARBALL, SENIOR. 

1. Medow. Three acres and a halfe, mor or lesse, lyeing at 
Cowpond Brook, bounded south with John Page, and on all other 
poynts with the town's vplands ; which medow he had by way of 
exchang with John Prescoat for three acres and a half in South 
Medow. 

2. Vplands. Seauenteene acres, more or lesse, lyeing vp on the 
south east sid of Sandy Pond, bounded northeast with the way 
that goe to Long Medow, and on all other poynts with the town's 
comon. 

Neare Sandy Pond, seauenteene acres, mor or lesse, bounded on 
the north east corner with the high way, and on all other poynts 
with the towne's common. 

Vphifid. Nine acres, more or lesse, bounded with the lands of 
Nathaniell Lawrance westnortherly, and westsoutherly with the 
land of Nicolas Cady, and on all other poynts with the town's 
comons ; which nine acres hee haue of Serg. James Parker, by way 
of exchang for the sixe acres that was Simon Stone's in the General) 
Feild, and four pound more which is to be payd in building betwixt 
this and May day next. 



THE LANDS OF JONATHAN CRISP. 

1. His Vplands. And ffirst, his houslot, twenty &: eight acres, 
(with an addityon therevnto,) more or lesse, bounded south with the 
land of Christopher Halle, north with the town's comon & the 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 153 

land belonging to the minestry, east with the hie-way, west with 
the town's conion. 

2. In the Generall Field, three acres, more or lesse, bounded 
east & west with y^ hie-wayes, south w' y® land of James Parker, 
north w' y^ land of Samuell Davis. 

2. His Medow. And fiirst, in fflaggy Medow, fiue acres, more or 
lesse, bounded south with y^ medow of James Parker, east with the 
medow of Christopher Halle, & on all other poynts w' y^ town's 
comon. 

2. At Massabogue Brooke, three acres, more or lesse, lying on 
both sides of the brooke, bounded north with the medow of 
James Parker, & on all other poynts with the town's comon. 

3. In Angle Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded south- 
easterly with y* medow of Ralph Reede, north with the medow of 
James fiisk, east & west with the town's comon. 

Desember 27, 1664. Compeared and aproued by the Select 
men, in the nam and with the consente of the towne. 



THE LANDS OF SERGEANT JAMES PARKER. 

1. His Vplands. And filirst, his hous-lot with that which ad- 
joyns to it, fifty acres, more or lesse, bounded southward with the land 
that belongs to the minestry, esterly and northerly with the Create 
Half-moone Medow and with Broade Medow, westerly by John 
Nutting's vpland, northerly and on all other poynts with the hie-way. 

2. fforty & six acres, more or lesse, bounded west with the 
vpland of William Lakin, south east with the land belonging to y^ 
minestry, north with the land of Joseph Parker, and on all other 
poynts with the town's comon. 

3. Sixteene acres, more or lesse, bounded south east with the vp- 
land of James ffisk, south west with the vpland of Jacob Onge, north 
west with the vpland of Samuell Woods & William Greene & James 
Parker, & on all other poynts on comon land. 

4. Eleven acres, more or lesse, bounded north east with the land 
of William Greene, south east with the vplands of Jacob Onge, & on 
all other poynts w'*" the comon. 

5. fiiue acres, more or lesse, bounded southerly with y^ vplands of 
John Nuttin, & on all other poynts w' y'^ hie way. 



154 EARLY RECORDS OF 

6. Two acres of swamp, more or lesse, bounded north with the 
land of William Lakin, south west with the land of Thomas Williams, 
& on all other poynts with the towne comon. 

7. In the Generall Field, seaven acres, more or lesse, bounded 
esterly with the with the [sk] land of Jonathan Crisp, west with the 
lands of James Roberts, & on all other poynts with the hie wayes. 

8. Ten acres, more or lesse, bounded with the land of John Lakin, 
west with the land of Joseph Blud, & on all other poynts with the hie 
wayes. 

9. One acre of swamp, more or lesse, bounded north west with the 
medow of John Laranc & with the swamp of Joseph Laranc, & on 
all other poynts with the town's swamp & vpland. 

10. ffiue acres of swamp & vpland, more or lesse, bounded east 
with the lands of James Parker, north-westerly with the medow of 
John Laranc, south with the vpland of Jacob Onge, east with the 
swamp of William Greene, & on all other poynts with the town's 
vpland. 

2. His Medozves. And ffirst, in the Create Halfe-moone Medow, 
medow & swamp fifteene acres, more or lesse, bounded north east 
with the medow belonging to y^ minestry, & with the medow of 
William Lakin, north with the medow of Joseph Cilson, Timothy 
Allen, & the minestry, south easterly vpon the medow of John 
Larance & the town's vpland, & on all other poynts vpon the vpland 
of James Parker. 

2. In Broade Medow, fiue acres, more or lesse, bounded north- 
erly with the medow of John Nuttin, westerly with the medow of 
Benjamine Garfield, Christopher Halle, Joseph Parker, John Page, 
& James Parker, on the west and south with the medow belong- 
ing to the minestry, east with the vpland of James Parker. 

3. One acre & a halfe in Broade Medow, bounded on the 
north with y^ medow of Joseph Parker, on the south with the 
medow of John Page, on the east w' y" medow of James Parker, 
& on the west with the town's vpland. This also is an acre by 
estimation, more or lesse, & a halfe should haue been said as in 
the premises. 

4. Six acres, more or lesse, lying in Massaboge Medow, bounded 
on the north west with the medow of Jonathan Crisp, southerly by 
the river, & on all other poynts w' y^ town's vpland. 

[5.] In fflaggy Medow, three acres, more or lesse, bounded 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 155 

southerly with y^ medow of Walter Skinner, northerly with the 
medow of Jonathan Crisp, & on all other poynts w' y* town's 
vpland. 

6. In Angle Medow, ffiue acres, more or lesse, bounded esterly 
with the medow of Joseph Parker, south westerly with the medow 
of John Straton, & on all other poynts with the town's vp-land. 

7. In the Create fflaggy Medow, fower acres, more or lesse, 
bounded westerly with the medow of Christopher Halle, north west 
with the medow of James Parker, & all other poynts with the 
town's vpland. 

8. In Spang Medow, fiue acres, more or lesse, bounded on the 
east with the medow of Thomas Tarbole, Senio"", north east with the 
land of Timothy Allen and with Vnqete-norset Brook, on the east 
& north west & on all other poynts with the town's vp-land. 

9. In the Burnt Medowes, lying in three parcells, in the one 
parcell, seauen acres, more or lesse, bounded north w' y*" medow of 
Richard Sawtell, & on all other poynts with y® town's vpland. 
The second parcell is fiue acres, more or lesse, bounded on the 
west with y^ medow of Richard Sawtell, & on all other . . . 

10. Twelue acres of vpland, more or lesse, bounded on the 
south west with the lands of John Laranc, Senio'', & on all other 
poynts with the town's comon. This lieth on the north-east end of 
Gibbet Hill. 

11. In Create fflaggy Medow, three acres, more or lesse, bounded 
southerly with the medow of Christopher Halle, south-east w' y* 
medow of James Parker, & on all other poynts w* y^ town's 
vpland. 

12. In Angle Medow, four acres, more or lesse, bounded with y® 
medow of Jonathan Crisp southerly, and on all other poynts with 
the town's vpland. 

13. In Maple Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded south- 
erly with the medow of Justinian Holdin, northerly w' the medow 
of Walter Skinner, & on all other poynts w' the town's vpland. 

14. At Vnquetenorset Brooke, lying on both sides of it, two 
acres, more or lesse, bounded with the medow of Joshua Whitney 
south easterly, & on all other poynts with the town's vpland. 

15. In Prety Medow, four acres, more or lesse, bounded west 
& north with the medow of Joseph Parker, & on all other 
poynts with y^ town's vpland. 



156 EARLY RECORDS OF 

16. In Spang Medow, four acres, more or lesse, bounded east 
y medow of John Nuttin, north with the medow of Ellis Baron, 
west with the medow of James Parker, & on all other poynts 
with the town's vpland. 

Reuised, aproued, & confirmed by y^ Select men, acording to 
order of towne. 

[In the handwriting of Richard Sawtell, Town Clerk, 1662-166^, The last 
four sections have been crossed out, by drawing lines through them.] 

THE LANDS OF JAMES PARKER. 

1. ffirst, his vpland. Eighteene acres, more or lesse, lying on 
the north side of Browne Loafe Hill, bounded on all points with 
the town's commons. Two and twenty acres, more or \_sic\ lying 
at Baddicock, bounded partly by the lands of Samuell Woods, west- 
wardly & on all other points with the town's common. Seauen- 
teen acres, more or lesse, lying on the east side of the pond called 
Goodman Martin's Pond, bounded on all other points with the 
town's common. 

2. Nine acres, more or less, bounded with the lands of Nathan- 
iell Lawrenc west northerly, west southwardly with the lands of 
John Clary, & on all other points with the town's commons. 

I. His Aleadow. ffirst, two acres, more or lesse, in Plaine Med- 
ow, bounded northwest by the meadow of William Martin, south 
east with the meadow of John Stratton, & on all other points 
with the town's vplands. 

Three acres, more or lesse, of meadow & vpland, lying on the 
south side of John Lawrence, his house lot, bounded by the swampe 
and vpland of Nathaniell Lawrence, westerly [sojuthwardly by the 
swamp and vpland of James Parker, [eas]terly by the swamp of 
Sam Woods, & on all other [points] with the town's common. 

[Rev]ised, alowed, & confirmed by the Select [men] accord- 
ing to the order of the towne. 

6"^ S"-, 1666. 

THE LANDS OF SERGENT JAMES PARKER. 

I. Of Vpland. Fifteene acres, mor or lesse, lyeing in two psells, 
one psell bounded north and east with Nathaniell Lawrance, and on 
all other poynts on the town's common, the other psell bounded south 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 157 

with the lands of Nathaniell Lawrance, and on all other poynts with 
the land of James Parker and the town's common, 

I. In Medow. In Prouidence Medow, three acres, mor or lesse, 
bounded north with the land and medow of Nathaniell Lawrance, 
south with the land of Samvell Woods, east by the town's common, 
west with James Parker. 

2'/ Two, acres, more or lesse, bounded west with Samvell Woods, 
and on all other poynts with the town's vplands. 

3'?' Three acres, mor or lesse, lyeing on both sids of Brown Loafe 
Brooke, bounded north with M'. Samvell Willard, west with Pelleg 
Lawrance, and on all other poynts with the town's vpland. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according to 
the order of the towne. 

John Morse, Clark, Novem. 25, i6[7o]. 

THE LANDS OF SERG. JAMES PARk[er]. 

1. All the comon land that lye on the west and north west sid of 
Gibbet Hill, be it more or lesse, bounded southerly with that peice 
that was the widow Lawrance's, and ptly with the town's land that lye 
by the side of Nathaniell Lawrance's houslot, and northerly by the 
high way that leadeth from the bridge into Badacock Woods, west 
northerly by the high way that goe from the bridge ouer to Serg. 
William Lakin's, and on all other poynts with the land of the sd Serg. 
James Parker's. 

2. Ten acres, more or lesse, that was the widdow Lawrance's land, 
bounded southerly with the land of Natha[niel] Lawrance and Robert 
Parish, easterly with the hye way that run from Parish's land and 
thorow Nath. Lawrance's vp to Joseph Lawrance's land, and on all 
other poynts by the land of Sergent Parker. 

3'.'' Twelue acres, more or lesse, lyeing on the northeast sid of Gib- 
bet Hill, bounded southerly with the land of Nathaniell Lawrance, and 
easterly with the land of Nathaniell Lawrance's, westerly with his owne 
land, and on all other poynts with the town's hye way, and near the 
pond. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the sselect men, according to 

the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, Clark, Jan vary iS, 16 71. 



158 EARLY RECORDS OF 



THE LANDS OF SERGENT JAMES PARKER. 

1. His Medows. In Plaine Medow, three acres, more or lesse, that 
was laid out to James Knop in the second division, east with William 
Martin, west with the medow of James Parker, and on all other 
poynts with the town's vplands. 

2. In Round Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded southeast 
with John Nutten, northerly with William Greene, and on all other 
poynts with the town's vplands. 

3. Two acres and a halfe, more or lesse, in a medow called fHaxe 
Medow, bounded on all poynts with the town's vplands. 

4. In Little Bucke Medow, halfe an acre, mor or lesse, bounded 
northeast with the medow of Simon Stone, and on all other poynts 
with the town's vplands. 

5. In Buck Medow Spang, two acres, more or lesse, bounded west 
with Joseph Parker, east with Nathaniell Blood, and north and south 
with the town's vplands. 

6. In New Angle Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded south 
with William Longly, and on all other poynts with the countrey's 
vplands and medows. 

7. In Reedy Medow, one acre, mor or lesse, bounded east with 
Rich*^ Blood, west with William Elvee, and on all other poynts with 
the town's swamp and vplands. 

8. In Great Halfe-moone Medow, t\vo acres, mor or lesse, layd out 
to Joseph Gilson in his first division, bounded west by Timothy Allen, 
northeast with the smithe's medow, south with the medow of James 
Parker, William Lakin, and the town's vplands, north with the vplands 
of James Parker. 

9. In Great Half-moone Medow, two acres, mor or lesse, layd out 
to the ministry in his first division, bounded east with the medow of 
Timothy Allen, and on all other poynts with his own medows and 
vplands. 

10. One acre, more or lesse, at Weauer's Medow, bounded north- 
west with Joseph Parker, and on all other poynts with the town's vp- 
lands ; which acre James Parker had of Joseph Morsse for that in 
Great fflagy Medow. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, accor[ding] 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morse, Clark, Janev. . . . 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 159 

A bargain and exchang of lands between Sergent James Parker 
and Joseph Morse. 

Three acres of medow, more or lesse, in fflagy Medow, bounded 
west southerly with Christopher Hall and Jonathans Crisp's medowes 
and the town's vplands, east and north with the medowes of James 
Parker, and on all other poynts with the town's vplands ; the which 
medow Joseph Morse had of the s^ James Parker by way of exchang 
and purchase, for which parsell of medow the aforsaid Joseph Morse 
is to pa . . . like charges hence forward. 

Revised, compared, and con[firmed] by the Select men, acording 
[to] order of the towne. 

[In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1670-1676, 1680, 1681.] 



THE LANDS OF RALPH REEDE. 

1. Ifi's Vplands. And ffirst, his hous lot with som addition, 
twenty & one acres, more or lesse, bounded south & east with 
the hie-way, north with y^ land of Daniell Pierce, west on the town's 
comon land. 

2. Thirteene acres, more or lesse, bounded west on James his 
brooke, north with the land of Daniell Pierce, east & south with 
the town's comon land. 

2. His Medows. And ffirst, in Broade Medow, three acres, more 
or lesse, bounded south with the medow of Daniell Pierce, north 
with the medow of Ellis Baron, east w^'' y^ vpland of Richard Saw- 
tell, west with the town's comon. 

2. In Pine Medow, six acres, more or lesse, bounded southwest 
w* the medow of Daniell Metup, north-east w' y'' medow of James 
Knop & Ellis Baron, one or both of them, west with the town's 
comon. 

3. In Long Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded east on 
Comon Medow, west w' y* medow of Richard Holdin, north & 
south with y*" town's comon. 

4. In y'' Little Halfe-moone Medow, two acres & a halfe, more 
or lesse, bounded north with the medow of Ellis Baron, east W 
Richard Holdin, south & west with comon land. 

5. In the Cow-pond Medow, one acre & a halfe, more or lesse, 
bounded with the medow of James Knop, & the town's vpland. 



l60 EARLY RECORDS OF 

6. In Angle Medow, three acres, more or lesse, bounded north 
easterly with y* medow of John Stratton, west southerly with the 
medow of Jonathan Crisp, & all other poynts with the town's 
vpland. 

More Vplands. Ten acres, more or lesse, bounded east north- 
erly with the lands of Samuell Davis, northwesterly with John Page 
his land, & on all other poynts w"' y^ town's comon. 

2. Seaven acres, more or lesse, bounded northerly with the 
land of John Mos, easterly with the lands of Daniell Pierce, Richard 
Holdin, & Ralph Reede, and vpon all other poynts with the town's 
comon. 

3. In the Generall Field, fiue acres, more or lesse, bounded east 
with the lands of Thomas Tarbole, Junio', west with the land of 
Jacob Onge, south with James his brooke, north with y" hie-way. 

[In the handwriting of Richard Sawtell, Town Clerk, 1662-166^] 



THE LANDS OF JAMES ROBERTS. 

And first, his Medowes. And first, in Spring Medow, fiue acres, 
more or lesse, bounded on all poynts with the town's vpland. 

2. In Sedg Medow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded on all 
poynts w' y* town's vpland. 

3. In Sallo Medow, one acre & a halfe, more or lesse, lying in 
two parcells or spongs near, bounded on all poynts w' y^ town's 
vpland. 

4. In Sargeant's Field Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded 
easterly w' y" medow of Allexander Rouse, & on all other poynts 
w' y* town's vpland. 

2. Secondly, his Vpland. And first, his house-lot w' som adition 
there vnto, twenty & four acres, more or lesse, bounded north & 
south w' y^ land of Joseph Parker, & on all other poynts with the 
town's comon. 

In the Generall Field, two acres & a halfe, more or lesse, 
bounded westerly with the land of James Parker, easterly w' 
the land of Jonathan Crisp, & on all other poynts with the 
hiewayes. 

[In the handwriting of Richard Sawtell, Town Clerk, 1662-166^] 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. l6l 



THE LANDS OF JAMES FISK. 

1. His Vplands. And ffirst, his house lot, with som addition 
there vnto, thirty and two acres & halfe, more or lesse, bounded 
north esterly with the land of Samuell Woods, esterly with the land 
of Joseph Laranc, & on all other poynts with the town's comon 
and the hie-way. 

2. Seaven acres & a halfe, more or lesse, bounded south west- 
erly with the land of Richard Sawtell, south est with the land of 
James flfisk, & vpon all other poynts with y^ land of Richard 
Sawtell and the hie-waies. 

3. Nineteene acres, more or lesse, bounded north with the land 
of James Parker, south west with the land of Joshua Whitny & 
Jacob'Onge, & on all other poynts with the town's comon. 

4. In the Generall Field, seaven acres, more or lesse, bounded 
south with land of John Lawranc, north with the land of Daniell 
Metup, west with the river, east with the hie way. 

2. His Medowes. And ffirst, his Home Medow, eight acres, 
more or lesse, bounded south esterly with the vpland of John 
Clary & the hie way, south west with the land of Ellis Baron, 
Thomas Tarbole, Senio"", and Richard Sawtell, & againe south 
east and south west vpon the land of Richard Sawtell, & vpon 
all other poynts with the vpland of James flisk and the hie way. 

2. In Cow-pond Medow, seaven acres, more or lesse, bounded 
south west with the medow of John Lawranc, Senio'', north east 
with the medow of John Clary, & vpon all other poynts with the 
riv^er & town's vpland. 

3. In East Medow, fine acres, more or lesse, bounded with John 
Clary his medow, & on the town's vpland. 

4. ffower acres, more or lesse, bounded south-westerly with the 
medow of Jonathan Crisp, north with the medow of Joseph Parker, 
& on all other poynts with the town's vpland. This medow is 
alienated for the 2 acres specified in the new book at Burnt 
Medow. 

5. One acre of swamp, more or lesse, bounded south easterly 
with the vpland of Joh . . . south westerly with the swamp of Ellis 
Baron, north westerly with the medow of James ffisk, north esterly. 
with the hieway. 



l62 EARLY RECORDS OF 

The lands of James ffisk. Some of these pcells being altered & 
some aditions before confirmed and transcribed into another page, 
by which these aboue are not to be accorded as any record : 

ffurst, his house lot with the addition there vnto, two acres and a 
halfe, more or lesse, bounded north [westjerly with the land of Sain 
Woods, easterly with [_su'] of Nathaniell Lawrance & on the lands 
of John Clary, south eastwardly and on the south west with the 
countrey hy way. 

[2.] Eleauen acres and a halfe, more or lesse, bounded south west- 
ward with with [j/V] the lands of Richard Sawtill, and south west 
with his owne meadow and vpon all other points with the lands of 
Richard Sawtill and the hy way waies. 

3. Thirty eight acres, more or lesse, bounded south west with 
the lands of Joshua Whittney & Jacob Onge, north with the hy 
way, & on all other points with the town's comon. 

1. //is Meadows, filirst, his Home Meadow, eight acres, more 
or lesse, bounded south easterly with the vpland of John Clary, 
south the hie way, south west with the lands of Ellis Barron, 
Thomas Tarbell, Senior, & Richard Sawtill, & againe south west 
with the lands of Richard Sawtill, north with his owne vpland and 
the country hie way lying northeast. 

2. In the Cow Pond Meadow, seauen acres, bounded south- 
wardly with the meadow of John Lawrence, Senior, northeast with 
the meadow of John Clary, & on all other points with the brook 
and town's commons. 

3. In the East Meadow, fine acres, more or less, bounded with 
the meadow of John Clary and on the vplands. 

[4.] In Burnt Meadow, two acres, more or lesse, one of which 
bounded eastwardly with the meadow of Richard Sawtill, & on all 
other points with the town's lands ; the other acre bounded south- 
west with the meadow of Thomas Tarball, Junior, & on all other 
points with the town's vpland. 

5. One acre of swamp land, more or lesse, bounded eastwardly 
with the land of John Clary, southwestwardly with the lands of 
Ellis Barron, north easterly with the hie way, & adioyning to his 
owne meadow northerly. 

Reuised and alowed and confirmed by the Selectmen, according 
to the order of the towne, 6"" 5™°, 1666. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. l6 



THE MEDOW OF JAMES FISKE. 

Fiue acres, more or lesse, bounded easterdly with the brok, by 
Nicolas Cady, and on all other poynts with the town's vplands ; 
and on the west side of the brok, a litle psell of medow lyeing by 
it self vndeuided, of about an acre half of it. James ffiske's this 
. . . with the consent of . . . 

[One line torn and illegible.] 

THE LANDS OF JAMES FISK. 

1. At Jebite Hill, sixe acres of vpland and swamp, more or lesse, 
bounded west and south with the town's hye-way, east with the 
lands of Jacob Ong, and north with the lands of William Longley, 
Senior. 

2. Towards the mill, fifteen acres, more or lesse, bounded north 
west with the land of Daniell Pearsse, south east with the lands of 
Ellis Barron, westerly by the hye way, and easterly with the town's 
comon. 

3. Vpon Brownloafe Playne, foure acres, more or lesse, bounded 
easterly with the hye way that goe vnder Brownloaf Hill, southeast- 
erly with the lands of Cap'. Parker and the hye way that goe from 
Thomas Boydon, and west with his owne lands. 

4. A skirt of land of one acre, more or lesse, lyeing on the 
south west side of his own Cowpond Medow, and bounded on the 
east with his own medow, and on all other poynts with the town's 
comon. 

5. Thirty one acres, more or lesse, lyeing of the south side of 
Way Pond, neare to Simon Stone's medow, bounded south east 
p'ly with the lands of Simon Stone and ptly with the lands of John 
Page, northwest taking in a corner of medow lyeing by Richard 
Sawtell's patches, and on all other poynts by the town's comon. 

6. One acre, more or less, lyeing on the east side of the swamp 
of Thomas Tarball, Seni., bounded southeasterly with Ellis Bar- 
ron, north westerly with Richard Sawtell, south with the swamp of 
Thomas Tarball, the line running from the bound tree that stand by 
the line of Ellis Barron that stand close by the swamp, to the corner 
tree that stand by the line of Richard Sawtell next the swamp, also 
east with his owne medow ; which acer of land he had of the sd 



l64 EARLY RECORDS OF 



Thomas Tarball by way of exchange for three acres of land in 

the last diuision. Which acre of land, I, the sd Thomas Tarball, 

do alienate and bequeath to the aboue sd James Fisk, Seni., to 

his heires and assigns foreuer. In witness wheirof I haue set to 

my hand. 

[These last two sections have been crossed out.] 



THE LANDS OF JAMES KNAPP. 

I. Upland, fifirst, to his house adioning, lo acres, more or 
lesse, bounded east with y^ hy way, west with the end of Broad 
Meadow, south with Ellis Barron, and north with Thomas Tarball, 
Senior. 

[2.] Thirty acres and one, more or less, bounded [with] the 
hyway, south with Ellis, north east with John Clary & Ellis Barron, 
& againe noth westerly, with Ellis & Thomas Tarball, Senl. 

3. ffiue acres, more or lesse, bounded with John Mosse west, 
north, & north west with towne land, north east & east with the 
hy way, south with Ellis Barron. 

4. ffiue acres, more or lesse, in the Generall Feild, being the 
thirteenth lot, bounded north with the high way, east with Joseph 
Parker, south with John Mosse, west with Richard Blood. 

Meadow, ffirst, in Litle Halfe Moone, two acres & a halfe, 
more or lesse, bounded north with the a hy way, east with Richard 
Sawtill, south with the swampe & pond, west with Daniell Pearse. 

[2.] Three acres & a halfe, more or lesse, lying in Pine Meadow, 
bounded west with Samuell Dauis, & on all other points with the 
town's vplands. 

3. ffour acres, more or lesse, in Brooke Meadow, bounded on 
both sides the brooke to Sandy Pond, & on all other pointes with 
the towne vpland and swampe. 

4. In Long Meadow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded east 
with Thomas Tarball, Senior, & on all other points with the town's 
vpland. 

5. Three acres, more or lesse, lying in Cow Pond Meadow, 
bounded south with the pond, and on all other points with common 
land. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 16$ 

6. Three acres, more or lesse, lying in Plaine Meadow, bounded 
east with William Martin, west with James Parker, north & south 
with the vplands. 

Alow a priuate way to Ellis Barron, or his [heirs] euer, to driue 
cart or cattell to his swamp [in t]he convenientest place ouer the 
brooke by [his] house ; and Ellis & his heires is to make and 
main[tain] . . . wne bars or gates to that way for their owne. 

Revised, alowed, & confirmed by the Select men, according [to 
the] order of the to wne, 6'*' 5% 1666. 

THE LANDS OF JAMES KNOP. 

Medow. I. Two acres, mor or lesse, lyeing vpon both sids of 
Swane Brok, bounded south with Stony Brook Pond, and north 
with James Parker and coinon medow, and on all other poynts 
with the town's vplands, swamp, and medow. 

2. Near to Round Medow, lyeing in the spungs^ three acres, 
mor or lesse, bounded south with William Greene, and on all other 
poynts with the town's vpland ; which three acres I received of 
James Parker by way of exchang, for which he had of mee in 
Plaine Medow, and this Plain Medow here exprest is that exprest 
in page 20. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morse, Clark, Janev. 3, 1669. 



THE LANDS OF ELLIS BARRON. 

Vplands. ffirst, his house lott ordoying to his house . . . acres, 
more or lesse, bounded east with the high way, south with lands of 
Daniell Pearse, west Broad Meadow end & the high way, north 
with James Knapp. 

2. Tenne acres of swamp land, more or lesse, bounded west 
southwardly with the lands of James Knapp, south eastwardly with 
the lands of James Knapp, northeast with the lands of John Clary, 
northwest vpon the meadow of James ffisk, and vpon the swampe of 
Thomas Tarball, Seni. 

3. Twenty acres, more or lesse, bounded west with the hyway 



l66 EARLY RECORDS OF 

vpon James Brook, south with the lands of Daniell Peaise, and on 
both sides of the hyway that runs along to John Barrons his house, 
part east & pt south west with the lands of John Barron, north 
east with the lands of John Clary, & north with the lands of James 
Knapp. 

4. ffiue acres, more or lesse, bounded with the lands of John 
Mosse, north with the lands of James Knapp, east with the hyway, 
& south with the lands of Samuell Dauis. 

1. Meadow, ffirst, two acres in Litle Halfe Moone, more or 
lesse, bounded east with the meadow of Thomas Tarball, SenI, 
south with Daniell Pearse, and on all other points with the vp- 
land. 

2. Six acres of meadow, more or lesse, lying in Rock Meadow, 
bounded north with the meadow of Thomas Boyden, south with the 
meadow of John Barron, east and west with the vpland. 

3. Spruce Meadow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded south with 
Sandy Brooke, and on all other points with the vpland. 

4. One acre, more, or less, lying in South Meadow, bounded 
east with the meadow of Richard Holdin, and on all other points 
with the vpland. 

5. Two acres, more or lesse, lying in Long Meadow, bounded 
east with the meadow of Richard Holdin, & west with the meadow 
of William Longley, and north and south with the vplands. 

6. One halfe acre, more or lesse, lying in two pcells, bounded 
eastwardly with the meadow of Thomas Tarball, Senior, westwardly 
toward the swamp, and on all other points with vplands. 

THE LANDS OF [eLLIS BARROn]. 

I. Three acres, m[ore or less] . . . meadow, bounded south 
. . . James Parker, east with ... of John Nutting, west with . . . 
Brooke, and north with the mea[dow of Timothy] Allen, 10^' 8"", 
1665. 

The towne granted to Ellis Barron three psells of meadow, con- 
taining two acres, more or lesse, lying on the south of the Indian 
Hills, bounded on all points with the town's vpland or common. 

Reuised, compared, alowed, confirmed, and that by the Select- 
men, according to the order of the towne, 6"' 5'^ 1666. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 167 



[THE LANDS OF] DANIELL PEARSE. 

[i.] ... with the addition of ffifteene [acres, more or ]e]ss, 
bounded eastwardly with the hy[eway, north] wardly with the lands 
of Ellis Barron, west[wardly] with the lands of James Knapp & 
Ellis Barron, [and] on both sides the hy way that leads to Thomas 
Boyden & southwardly with the lands of Samuell Dauis. 

2. Eleauen acres, more or lesse, bounded westwardly with the 
hyway, south with the lands of Samuell Dauis, north with the lands 
of Ellis Barron, and east with the town's common. 

3. ffiue acres, more or lesse, bounded west with the lands of 
Samuell Dauis, east & south with the lands of Samuell Dauis, 
& north with Ellis Barron. 

4. The iland lying within the meadow called Litle Halfe 
Moone Meadow, bounded east with the pond, and on all other 
points with the sd meadow. 

Meadows, fifirst, foure acres, more or less, lying in Broad Mead- 
ow, bounded southward with the lands of William Longley, north- 
ward with the meadow of Samuell Dauis, east & west with the 
vplands. 

2. Two acres and a halfe, more or lesse, lying in Halfe Moone 
Meadow, bounded east with the meadow of James Knapp, west 
with the meadow of Tho. Tarball, Sen!., north with the hyway, 
south with his owne iland. 

3. Three acres and a halfe, more or lesse, lying in South Mead- 
ow, bounded south east with Just. Holdin, northwest with the 
meadow of Matthias ffarnworth, & on all other points with the 
town's vplands. 

4. Two acres, more or lesse, lying vpon Cowpond Brooke, 
bounded south with Samuell Dauis his meadow, north with the 
meadow of Thomas Williams, east and west with the vplands. 

Reuised, approued, and confirmed by the Select men, according 

to the order of the towne. 

Witfc Longley, 6* 5™, 1666. 



THE LANDS OF SAMUELL WOODS. 

His Vplands. fifirst, his hous lott, nine acres, more or lesse, 
bounded southerly with the lands of James flfisk, northerly with 



r68 EARLY RECORDS OF 

the lands of Will Greene, & easterly & westerly with the town's 
and country high wayes. 

2^Y Eight acres, more or lesse, bounded easterly with the high 
way, westerly with Broad Meadow, notherly with the lands of Will 
Greene, southerly east with the town's common, 

3'?' Thirteene acres & a halfe, more or lesse, bounded with the 
lands of Will Greene, east with the highway, southwardly with the 
vpland of James Parker & with the meadow of John Lawrence, 
notherly with the town's common. 

4'.^ Vpon Barralock Hill, thirteen acres, more or lesse, bounded 
easterly with the land of Will Greene, southwardly with Litle fflaggy 
Meadow, & on all other points with the town's common. 

Ifis Meadows, ffirst, in Broad Meadow, three acres, more or 
lesse, bounded north with Will Greene lands, and southerly with the 
meadow of Richard Holdin, westerly with the meadow of James 
Blood, Nathaniell Lawrence, & John Morsse, or one of them, 
easterly with the vpland [and the] woods. 

[Here follows a third of a page, much torn.] 
[In the handwriting of William Longley, Town Clerk, 1666-1667.] 



THE LANDS OF NICOLAS CADY. 

I. His Vplands. About his house, fifty one acre, more or lesse, 
lyeing on both sids the countrey high way, the one jDarsell on the 
northeast of the highway, bounded north with James ffiske, and east 
with James Parker, and on all other poynts with the highway ; the 
other part, on the other sid of the high way, bounded west with swamp 
of James ffiske, and south west with Ellis Barron, James Knop and 
John Barron, and on all other poynts with the town's coiiion. 

1. His Medows. Fine acres, mor or lesse, adjoyningwith his lot 
at hom, westerly and south easterly with Jacob Onge, and on all 
other poynts with the town's coifion. 

2. Fine acres at Badacock, mor or lesse, lyeing on both sids 
the brok, bounded southwest with James ffisk, and on all other 
poynts with the town's coiiion. 

3. At the Cow Pond, fiue acres, mor or less, bounded south 
west with James ffisk, south east with the Cow Pond Brook, north- 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 169 

east with John Page, and on all other poynts with the town's vp- 
lands. 

4. Two acres, mor or lesse, lyeing on both sids Litle Massapog 
Brook, south with the litle pond and Richard Holden, northeast 
with Boston farmes, and on all other poynts with the town's 
vplands. 

5. One acre, mor or lesse, vpon the town's line joyning with 
Cowell's farme, east with the towne line, north with Ellis Barron, 
and on all other poynts with the town's comon. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, 3 of the 11''' month, 1669. 

THE MEDOW OF NICOLAS CADY. 

Fine acres, more or less, bounded by the town's vpland on both 
sides of the brok from the falls to the foord way, and aboue the 
foord way vpward on the east sid of the brook to the pond, and on 
the west sid of the broke a litle parsell of madow lying by it self vn- 
devided, about an acre in quantity, half of it to Nicolus Cady's. 
This record is entred with the consent of both the proprietors, 
Aprill 26, 1672. 



THE LANDS OF WILLIAM ELLUEE. 

I. His Vplands. Twenty fine acres, mor or lesse, to his house 
at home, bounded south with Jonathan Sawtell, west with Richd 
Holden, east with the highway, and on all other poynts with the 
town's vplands. 

1. His Medows. In Plaine Medow, three acres, mor or lesse, 
bounded west and northerly with James Parker, and on all other 
poynts with the town's vplands. 

2. In Reedy Medow, two acres, mor or lesse, lyeing in two 
psells, bounded on the west sid with the swamp at Reedy Medow, 
and bounded round with the town swamp and vplands. 

3. In old Angle Medow, one acre, mor or lesse, bounded south 
west with Samvel Kempe, and north east with Samvell Dauis, and 
on all other poynts with the town's coiuon. 



170 EARLY RECORDS OF 

4. One acre, mor or lesse, in the northermost spang of Buck 
Medovv cooue [cove ?], west with Natlianiell Blood, east with the 
town's lin, and on all other poynts with the town's vplands. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the town. 

John Morsse, Clark, Janev. 10, 1669. 



THE LANDS OF JONATHAN MORSE. 

1. His Vplands. His house lot, twenty foure acres, more or 
lesse, bounded north with the lands of Joseph Morse, east with the 
countrey high way, south with Thomas Tarball, west with the town's 
vplands. 

2. Sixteene acres, more or lesse, bounded east southerly with 
Christopher Hall, north westerly with Joseph Parker, and on all 
other poynts with the town's comons. 

1. His Medows. In Broad Medow, two acres, mor or lesse, 
bounded northerly with Joseph Morse, Walter Skiner, and John 
Barron, easterly with James Parker, southerly with Joseph Parker 
and westerly with the town's vplands. 

2. In Pine Medow, foure acres, mor or lesse, bounded north with 
Joseph Morse, south with Christopher Hall, west and east with the 
town's common. 

3. In Plaine Medow, foure acres, mor or lesse, bounded east 
with Thomas Williams, and on . all other poynts with the town's 
vplands. 

4. In Pretty Medow, two acres, mor or lesse, bounded southerly 
with Joseph Parker, and north west with the smithe's medow, and on 
all other poynts with the town's vplands. 

5. In Cowpond Medow, two acres, mor or lesse, bounded north 
with John Page, north west with the brook, and on all other poynts 
with the town's common. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne, Janev. 10, 1669. 

John Morsse, Clarke. 

Vpland. Twenty sixe acres three quarters, mor or lesse, vpon 
the Pine Playne, bounded northerly with his owne lands, eastward 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 171 

with the lands of Christopher Hall, west with the lands of Jerimy 
Morsse, south with the town's coiiion. 

2. Vpon Indian Hill, three acres and a quarter, more or lesse, 
bounded west with John Page, north with Thomas Boydon, easterly 
with the land of Matthias ffarnworth, and southerly with the ends 
of the other lotes, the countrey hye way runing thorow. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne, Decem. 3, 1673. 

John Morse. 



THE LANDS OF ZACHERY SAWTELL. 

His Vplands. His houslot, with the additions, fifty acres, more or 
lesse, bounded south with the lands of Jonathan Crispe, partly west 
with the lands of Joseph Morsse, and on all other poynts with the 
towne's hieway and common. 

1. His Medows. In Rock Medow, foure acres, more or lesse, 
bounded south with the medow of Nathaniell Lawrance, north with 
John Barron, east and west the towne's vplands. 

2. In Halfe Moon Medow, two acre and a halfe, more or lesse, 
bounded westerly with the medow of Enosh Lawrance, easterly with 
the hye way that goe ouer to the iland, southerly by the iland, and 
northerly by the towne's vplands. 

3. Neare the hawtrees, two acres, more or less, bounded round 
with the swamp and town vplands. 

4. In Pretty Medow, two acres and a halfe, more or lesse, 
bounded east by the medow of Jonathan Morsse, and on all other 
poynts by the towne's vplands. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Sellect men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, No. 18, 1670. 



THE LANDS OF ABRAHAM PARKER, LIVING NOW 
AT CHELMSFORD. 

I. Vplands, sold to William Sanderson. Twenty acres, more or 
lesse, bounded south westerly by the land of Joseph Gilson, north 
easterly by the land of John Lakin, west northerly by the land of 
James Blood, and easterly by the towne high way. 



172 EARLY RECORDS OF 

2. Medow. Seaven acres, more or lesse, in Preety Medow, 
bounded west northerly by the land of John Lakin, east south- 
erly by the land of Joseph Parker, and on all other poynts by the 
town's vplands. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morse, Clark, Novem. 25, 1670, 

[This entry has been crossed out.] 



THE LANDS OF JOSEPH LAWRANCE. 

His Vplands. First, twenty one acre, mor or lesse, bounded 
south west with the land of James Parker, and on all other poynts 
on the town's common. 

In Medow. Three acres, mor or lesse, lyeing in Halfe Moone 
Medow, bounded south by the medow of James Parker, west by the 
medow of Timothy Allen, east by the smith's medow, north by the 
vpland. 

2^1 In Hawtree Brook, fine acres, more or lesse, lyeing on both 
sides the brook, bounded south by the medow of James Parker and 
the high way, east by the medow of John Nutten, north by the 
town's vpland, and on all other poynts by the brook, and the town's 
common. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, Clark, 26 of Nouem. 1670. 



THE LANDS OF JOHN MORSSE. 

1. His Vplands. Twelue acres, more or lesse, to his ho[use] lot, 
bounded north with with \sic\ William Longley, east and south 
with James Knop and the higeweay, south with Samvell Davis, and 
west with the countrey high way. 

2. Twenty acres, more or lesse, bounded south and west with 
Samvell Davis, and north with William Longley, and east with the 
countrey high way. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 173 

3. Ten acres, mor or lesse, lyeing at James Brook, bounded 
southeast with the way that goe to James Brook, north with the high 
way that goe to the Generall Feild, and Samvell Davis and James 
Knop, west with Richd Holden, and on all other poynts withe the 
town's comon. 

1. His Medows. In Pine Medow, nine acres, mor or lesse, 
bounded east with John Barron, and on all other poynts with the 
town's common. 

2. At Massabog, two acres and a half, mor or less, bounded 
east with Christopher Hall and Jackob Onge, west with Joseph 
Morsse, and on all other poynts with the town's vplands. 

3. In Broad Medow, one acre and a quarter, bounded northerly 
with James Blood, east with Samvell Woods and Richard Holden, 
south with John Page, and on all other poynts with the town's 
vpland. 

Reuissed, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 

to the town's order. 

John Morsse, Clark, No. 26, 1670. 



THE LANDS OF JUSTINIAN HOLDEN, PURCHASE OF 
JOHN LONGLEY, LYING IN TWO PEICES. 

1. Vplands. Ten acres, mor or lesse, lying vp on the west side 
of the hieway, bounded north with James his brook, and eastward 
with the hye way, and on all other poynts with the town's comon. 

2. Two acres and a halfe, mor or lesse, lyeing vpon the east sid 
of the hye way, bounded west with the hye way, and east with 
Matthias ffarnworth, and on all other poynts with the town's 
common. 

I. His Medows. Fiue acres, mor or lesse, lyeing in South 
Medow, bounded southeast with John Prestcode, northwest with 
Daniell Pearse, south west with William Longley, north east with 
the vpland. 

Revised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 

to the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, Clark, Febr. 17, 1670. 



174 EARLY RECORDS OF 



THE LANDS OF SIMON STONE. 

1. Vjflafids. Fifty acres, more or lesse, bounded north east 
with Ralph Reed, part westerly with Matthias ffarnworth, and on 
all other poynts with the town's common. 

2. Sixe acres, mor or less, bounded northwest with Matthias 
ffarnworth, and southeast with Rock Medow, and on all other 
poynts with the town's common. 

3. In the Generall Field, sixe acres and a halfe, more or less, 
bounded west with the riuer, north with the high way, south with 
James his brook, east with Jonathan Morsse. 

[_The followmg is interlined^ This aboue six acors and ^ 
alnated to Captin Parke for other land. 

1. His Medows. Eight acres, mor or lesse, at Long Pond, 
bounded south with Long Pond, and on all other poynts with the 
town's common. 

2. Six acres, mor or lesse, lyeing neare Halfe Pinehill, bounded 
on all poynts with the town's common. 

3. Foure acres, mor or lesse, lyeing of both sids the mill brook, 
bounded east with Joseph Blood, west with Matthias Farnworth, 
north and south with vpland. 

4. Three acres and a halfe, mor or lesse, lyeing in two spungs near 
to Vnquetenorset Medow, bounded east with William Longley, and 
on all other poynts with the towne's common. 

5. Three acres and a halfe, lyeing in Litle Buck Medow, bound- 
ed east with the towne's line, southwest with James Parker, and on 
all other poynts with the towne's common. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, Clark, Febr. 17, 1670. 



THE LANDS OF TIMOTHY ALLEN. 

I. Vplands. First, to his houslot, with an addition, forty acres, 
more or lesse, bounded south with the lands of Walter Skinner, west 
with y* land of Timothy Cooper, north with the land of Joseph 
Gilson, and east with the town's conion, swamp, and hye way. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 1/5 

2. Thirty eight acres, more or lesse, vpon Chestnut Hill, bound- 
ed north with the lands of Mr. Samuell Willard, easterly with the 
hye way neare to Christopher Hall's medow and conion, south and 
west with the lands of Serg. James Parker. 

I. Medows. At Vnquetenorset, ten acres, mor or lesse, bound- 
ed north with the medow of Joseph Parker, southeast with the 
medow of Joseph Gilson, and on all other poynts with the towne's 
vplands. 

2^ Three acres, more or lesse, at Skull Holl, on both sides the 
riuer, bounded round with the town's vpland. 

3'J' In Sledge Medow, two acres and a half, mor or lesse, bound- 
ed north with the medow of William Martin, and on all other poynts 
with the town's vplands. 

4'^ At Massabog, four acres, mor or lesse, bounded on the east 
with the medow of William Greene, and on all other poynts with 
the town's vpland. 

5^ Two acres and a halfe, at Halfe Moone Medow, mor or 
lesse, bounded north with the medow of Joseph Gilson, east with 
Sergent James Parker, south with the medow that was Mr. Samvell 
Willard's, north west with the town's vplands. 

6'^ Two acres and a halfe, more or lesse, in Broad Medow, 
bounded north with the medow of Mr. Samvell Willard, west with 
John Pag, south with Richard Blood, east with y*" town's vplands. 

Reuissed, compared, and confirmed by the Sellect men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, No. ii, 167 i. 



THE LANDS OF WILLIAM MARTIN. 

I. His Vplafids. First, to his hous lot adjoyning, sixty acres, 
more or lesse, bounded north by the land of Serg". William Lakin, 
east with the comon land, and south with comon land neare the 
pond, and also westerly turning by his owne medow till it com to 
the hyeway that goe down to Halfe Moon Medow, and west and pt 
northerly with the hye way that goe to Ser. William Lakin's from the 
meeting house. 

I. Medowes. Eleauen acres, more or lesse, lyeing Halfe Moone 
Medow, bounded south with the town's land neare the pond, 



176 EARLY RECORDS OF 



westerly with the towne's land, and on all other poynts with his own 
lands. 

2'?' ffiue acres, more or lesse, in Half Moon Medow, bounded 
on the east with the medow of Nathaniell Blood, west with Ser. 
Lakin, north and south with the towne's vplands. 

3'y ffour acres, more or lesse, in Plain Medow, bounded west 
with the medow of Ser. James Parker, east with Joseph Gilson, 
north and south with the town's vpland. 

{T/iis section is erased, and the folloiving is interlined.'] This rec- 
ord is defaced with the consent of both partyes. 

4'y ffiue acres, more or lesse, in Sledg Medow, bounded on a 
corner towards the west with the medow of Timothy Allen, and on 
all other poynts with the town's vplands. 

Wheiras his vpland is sayd to be sixty, it is seuventy two. 

Revissed, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 

to the order of the towne. 

John Morss, No. 11, 167 1. 

1. In Quasoponagone Medow, on the other sid of the riuer, 
sixe acres, more or lesse, bounded south with Joshua Whitney, and 
on all other poynts with the towne's swamp and vplands. 

2. In Accident Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded north 
with Thomas Tarball, Junior, south with Joshua Whitney, and on 
all other poynts with the towne's vplands. 

3. One acre, lyeing in a spong of medow, caled Lodge Medow, 
bounded round with the towne's commons, which foure acres in 
Playne Medow is alienated to Sergent James Parker, for foure acres 
of this, which was somtime sd Serg. James Parker's, on the other 
side of the riuer, which foure acres is speciffied in the town book 
and in his transcript. 

Revissed, compared, and conffirmed by the Sellect men, according 

to the order of the town. 

John Morsse, Febr. 26, 1672, 



THE LANDS OF THOMAS TARBALL, JUN'. 

I. His houselot, twenty foure acres, more or lesse (the first 
diuision), bounded south with the town's hye way, north with 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 177 

the lands of Jonathan Morsse, east with Lanchester hye way. In 
the second diuision he taking in the hye way betwixt Joseph Blood 
and himself, he doe alow a hye way for the towne of the same bredth 
in the most convenient place thorow his owne land. 

2. Eleauen acres, more or lesse, bounded west Lanchester hye 
way, south with the hye way to Broad Medow, east and north with 
the lands of Joseph Parker. 

1. Medows. In Burnt Medow, ten acres, mor or lesse, bounded 
west, north west, and north with the brook and the pond, and with the 
medowes of Richard Sawtell, east and northerly with the medowes 
of James ffisk, and on all other poynts with the town's vplands. 

2. In Quosoponagon Medow, on the other side of the riuer, three 
quarters of an acre, more or lesse, bounded north with James ffisk, 
and on all other poynts with the town's vplands. 

3. In Accident Medow, halfe an acre, more or lesse, bounded 
northwest with the medow of Zachary Sawtell, south with Captaine 
Parker, and on all other poynts with the town's vplands. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Sellect men, according 

to the order of the towne, Decem. 3, 73. 

John Morsse, Clarke. 



THE LANDS OF JOSEPH MORSSE. 

Medow. In fflaggy Medow, two acres of medow, more or lesse, 
bounded southwest with the town's common, and southeast and 
northeast with the medow of the sd Joseph Morsse, and north west 
with the medow of Christopher Hall, which psell of medow is 
alienated by Christopher Hall for one acre in fferney Medow, and 
one acre in Spot Medow, which was somtimes the medow of the sd 
Joseph Morsse, as is specified in the record of the sd Christopher 
Hall's, vnto the which alienation the wiues of them both giue their 
consent to the giuing vp their thirds. 

1. Neare the fordway. Vpon the Pine Plaine, twenty seauen 
acres, more or lesse, bounded southeast by Jerimy Morsse, west- 
erly by Richard Blood and Joseph Parker, northeast with the town's 
comon. 

2. Nine acres, more or lesse, bounded by Joseph Parker 
westerly, and south west by Jonathan Morsse, northeast a hye way 



178 EARLY RECORDS OF 

running thorow it by Jerimy Morsse's of two polle wide, and on 
all other poynts by the town's coSion. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Sellect men, according 
to the order of the towne, Decern. 9, 73. 

John Morsse. 



THE LANDS OF JACOB ONGE, BOTH VPLAND 
AND MEADOW. 

Thirty acres of vpland, more or lesse, envoluing his owne medow 
next to Nicolas Cady within it, bounded eastsouthwardly with the 
lands of Joshua Whitney, westerly with the lands of Nicolas Cady 
and pond, south with the countrey hyeway, and northerly with the 
hye way that goe to Brownloafe Playne. 

Reuissed, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, Clark, December 11, 1674. 

A small persell of land, measured out to Jacob Ong, of about 24 
polle, by a commitee chusen by the town, to wit, Corporall Cady, 
Ensigne Lawrance, and Joshua Whitney ; which land is bounded 
southerly by Joshua Whitney and Samuell Woods, and on all other 
poynts by the town's hye way. 



THE LANDS OF MATTHIAS FARNSWORTH. 

1. Vplands. His houselot, ninty acres, more or lesse, lyeing on 
both sids the mill hye way, bounded on the north with the sidhill 
by James his brook, westerly partly with Justin Holden and partly 
with coiuon land, south east with the mill hye way. 

The other part of his land, on the east sid of the mill hyeway, 
bounded with lands of Simon Stone on the north and east, and on 
all other poynts with the towne's coiiion. 

2. Sixe acres and a halfe, more or lesse, lyeing on Indian Hill, 
bounded west with the lands of Jonathan Morsse, and with the 
lands of John Cooper partly on the east and coiuon land, the coun- 
trey hyeway runing thorow, north with Thomas Boyden, south 
with the ends of the other lots. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 179 

3. Eighteene acres, more or lesse, bounded west with the mill 
roade, southeasterly with the lands of Daniell Pearsse, and on all 
other poynts with the towne's coinon. 

4. Seauenty one acre, more or lesse, lyeing on the other side 
of the mill road, bounded east with the mill road, west and soudi- 
erly with the medowes of the mill brook, and on all other poynts 
with the towne's coiiion. 

1. His Medowes. In South Medow, fourteen acres, more or 
lesse, bounded southeast with the medow of William Longley, Sen., 
southeast with the medow of Daniell Pearse, and on all other 
poynts with the town's coiiion. 

2. Sixe acres, more or lesse, neare the mille, bounded southeast 
with the medow of Simon Stone, southwest with Jonas Prescot, 
buting on the southeast with theire owne vpland, and on the north 
east with the medow of William Longley, Sen., and on all other 
poynts with the town's corfion. 

3. Fine acres and a halfe, more or lesse, neare the mille, bounded 
south east with their owne vpland, south west with Jonas Prescot, 
east with the medow of Richard Blood, and on all other poynts with 
the town's coiiion. 

4. At Half Moone Medow, two acres and a halfe, more or lesse, 
runing vp to John Barron, butting vp on the pond, bounded south- 
east with the land of Benjamin Crispe, and on all other poynts with 
the town's coiiion. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Sellect men, according 
to the order of the towne. 

John Morsse, Clark, Decem. 13, 1674. 



The record of y^ landes granted to Mf Gershom Hubard, at a 
ginrall town meeting, June 29, 1678, viz. : All the common land 
that lye neare the place wheir the old meeting house stood, 
Dunstable hye way runing thorow it, and the hye way runing into 
the captain's land, wheir it may be judged most convenient by 
them that are to lay it out. 

2'.^ That peice of swamp and vpland that lye betwene Timothy 
Allen, Joseph Gilson, the hy way leading to the hawtree, and Leift. 
Lakin's, and John Parish. 



l8o EARLY RECORDS OF 

3'J' Three hundred acres taken out of the comon land in one or 
two places, wheir it is most convenient for him. 

4'J' Fifteene acres of medow, seaven acres giuen by particuler 
men, the other to be made vp by the rest of the towne according to 
their proportion. 

5'.^ That he is to haue out of the comon, equall priuiledg of 
wood, timber, and comonage, with the rest of the inhabitants of the 
town according as he haue mad. 

Morouer he is to haue the house that he now liueth in, with all 
the fornamed priuiledges, performing the conditions as followeth, 
viz. : If he accept of y*^ call and come to settle among us, to be 
y^ towne's minister, & the churche's officer, then y" aboue mentioned 
pticulars to be his, and his forever. 

This condition was consented to be written by y* major part of 
y^ Select men, evidenced by severall witnesses, to be y*^ voat of y^ 
towne at y" time aboue mentioned. 



THE LANDS OF MR. SAMUELL WILLARD, WHICH IS 
LAYD OUT TO HIM IN THE TOWNE OF GROTTEN. 

1. His houslot, fourteene acres, more or lesse, lyeing on both 
sids the hyeway, leading from the meeting house to the bay, sixe 
acres of it on the west sid of the hye way, and bounded on the 
north with the lands of Cap'. Parker, on the west ptly with the 
medow of M'. Samuell Willard, and ptly with the medow of Jn°. 
Cooper, on the south with a hye way that leadeth down to Broad 
Medow, and on the east with the hye way leading to y^ bay. 

2. On the other sid of the same hye way, eight acres, mor or 
lesse, beeing bounded north and east with the lands of Josiah Parker, 
south with a hye way that lead downe to Ensigne Lawrance's, west 
with the hye way goeing to the bay. 

3. One hundred and twenty acres lyeing in a place coiSonly 
called Vnquetenorset Woods, beeing bounded north westerly with a 
hyeway that goe to Dunstable, east-northerly with the land of Cap'. 
James Parker, southeasterly with the towne comon and of Zachry 
Sawtell's medow, south westerly by the lands of Timothy Allen, 
west northerly with the lands of Cap'. James Parker. 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. l8l 

4. At the south east end of Brownloaf Hill, seaven acres, more 
or lesse, bounded west northerly with the lands of Cap'. James 
Parker, and on all other poynts with the town's coiiaon lands. 

5. At Indian Hill, sixe acres, more or lesse, bounded on the north 
with the lands of Nicolas Cady, easterly with the lands of Justin 
Holden, on the south with a hye way coming by Jn". Barron, goeing 
toward the bay, westerly by the lands of Joseph Parker, Sen. 

6. On the other sid Nashawag Riuer, one hundred and twenty 
acres, lyeing on both sids a litle brok, runing out of it into Nasha- 
wag Riuer between two ford wayes, the one called Jn°. Page's, and 
the other Thomas Tarbull, Jun'''s ford way, this lyeing about a 
quarter of a mille from the riuer. The first corner tre is a double 
black oak at the north east corner sufficiently marked and double 
marked with a great S. and W., inward to his owne land, bounded 
round with the town's coiSon, marked at the corners with S. W., 
and at seuerall trees with a great W., and sufficiently marked with 
runing markes. 

7. Twelue acres of entervaill, more or lesse, on the other sid of 
Nashawag Riuer, bounded north with the lands of Cap'. James 
Parker, east with the riuer, south with the lands of William Eluee, 
west with town's comon. 

1. His Medows. In Broad Medow, fine acres, more or lesse, 
bounded north with the medow of Cap'. Parker, on the east by his 
owne house lot, on the south with the medow of Jn°. Cooper, on the 
west with the medow of Jn°. Page. 

2. In Brown Loafe Medow, eight acres, more or lesse, beeing 
bounded south westerly by the brook that run thorow the medow, 
his medow lyeing all on that sid the brok, bounded on all other 
poynts by the town's vpland. 

3. On the same brok, downe the brok, three acres, mor or lesse, 
lyeing on both sids the brok, lyeing in two or three persels, bounded 
easterly by the lands of Nicolas Cady, and on all other poynts by 
the town's vplands. 

4. In Litle Flagy Medow, foure acres, mor or lesse, beeing 
bounded south with the medow of Cap'. Parker and Samuell Dauis, 
and on all other poynts with the town's coiSon. 

5. On the south sid of a hill, called Horse Hill, neare Masabeg 
Pond, two acres, mor or lesse, bounded round with the town's coiTion, 



l82 EARLY RECORDS OF 

with the head of a litle brok that run out of it into Masabog 
Pond. 

6, In Hawtree Medow, four acres, more or lesse, beeing bounded 
west northerly with tlie medow of Jn°. Nuting, on the east southerly 
with the medow of Robert Blood, and on all other poynts with the 
town's vplands. 

In Mapell Medow, two acres, mor or less, bounded westerly with 
the medow of Joseph Parker, Seni,, easterly with the town's vpland. 

Reuised, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the town, September 29, 1680. 

John Morsse, Clark. 



THE LANDS OF JOHN FARNVVORTH. 

1. Vplands. Four acres of Justin Holden, bounded northward 
with the lands of Mathias fifarnworth, eastward with the Mill Road, 
and on all other poynts with the town's hyeway and coiiion. 

2. Two acres of swamp, bounded westward with the medow of 
Matthias ffarnworth, on the south sid of Halfe Moon Swamp, and on 
all other poynts with the town's coiuon. 

3. Foure acres, more or less, lying in two persells, two acres, a 
pece of swamp land, lyeing betwixt the pond at John Page's saw- 
mill and the bridg that goe to Nonicoyacus, bounded round by the 
town's coition land. 

Reuissed, compared, and confirmed by the Select men, according 
to the order of the town. 

John Morss, Clark, Decem. 9*'', 1680. 



THE LANDS OF CORNELIUS CHURCH. 

Vplands. Ten acres, more or lesse, adioyning to Spedtecle Pond, 
neare the pond of Pelleg Lawrance's, on the east of a ridge parting 
them, which land containing two hoUe or three of swampy medow, 
as is described by the markes, as they are marked by the sides of 
the ridges, which ridges are coiiion land, Spedteckle Pond being on 
the south, and the ridges the bounds on all other sids. 

[In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1670-1676, 1680, 16S1.] 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 183 



THE LANDS OF SAMUELL CHURCH. 

Vpland that lye bounded by the highway that goe to Jonathan 
Morsse, and bye the hye way that goe into Pine Woods, and by the 
buriall place. 

[In the handwriting o£ John Morse, Town Clerk, 1670-1676, 1680, i6Si.l 



THE LANDS OF JOHN COLLES. 

Vpland. Ten acres of vpland, more or lesse, bounded with the 
lands of Jonathan Crispe and Zachery Sawtell on the east, with the 
lands of Zachery Sawtell and Joseph Morsse on the north, south 
with comon land, and west with the^iiuer, hauing a priuat hyeway 
runing thorow it to the ford way. 

[In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1670-1676, 16S0, 1681.] 



A persell of land, of ten acres, mor or less, granted by the town 
to Nicolos Hutchin. 

1. One acre, mor or lesse, lyeing betwixt South Medow and South 
Brook, bounded round by the town's coinon. 

2. Two acres, mor or lesse, lyeing on the northeast sid of the 
hyeway, lyeing vpon a swamp that runs to South Brook, bounded 
round by the town's coiSon. 

3. Sixe acres, mor or lesse, lyeing southeast of Sandy Pond, 
bounded round with the town's cofaon. 

[In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1670-1676, 1680, 16S1.] 



THE LANDS OF PELLEG LAWRANCE. 

1. Ten acres, more or lesse, lyeing on the north side of Sped- 
teckle Pond, bounded on all poynts by the towne's comon. 

2. Ten acres, more or lesse, lyeing by the Cowpond Medow, 
bounded east by the lands of Nathaniell Lawrance, and on all other 
poynts by the town's coiiion. 



l84 ^ EARLY RECORDS OF 

3. Foure acres and 3 quarters, more or lesse, vpon which his 
house stoode, formerly layd to Thomas Boyden, bounded southward 
by the countrey hyeway, westward by the lands of Matthias ffarn- 
warth, Sen., northard by Ferney Medow, eastward by the hyeway. 

4. Sixe acres, more or lesse, vpon the Cowpond place, bounded 
on all poynts by the town's coinon. 

5. Thre acres, more or lesse, by the Cowpond Medow, bound- 
ed westerly by the lands of Samuell Holden, partly by the lands of 
Ensign Lawrance, and on all other poynts by the town's coiuon. 

[In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1670-1676, 1680, i68i.'l 



THE LANDS OF ALEXANDER ROUSSE. 

1. Vpland. Eight acres, more or lesse, lyeing betweene the path 
that goe to Sergent Field Medow, and the path that goe to Richard 
Blood's, bounded round by the towne's comon. 

2. A swamp, containing two acres, more or lesse, bounded round 
by the town's common, lyeing betweene the uper end of the gift, 
John Lakin's Sledge and Reedy Medow. 

[In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1670-1676, t68o, 1681.] 



GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 185 



The following entries, found on a loose leaf, were omitted, 
by an oversight, in their proper places : — 

THE LANDS OF SAM WOOD. 

Fefteen acres, lyeing vpon this sid the riuer, bound west with the 

river, p- northerly with Jams Nuten, and on all other poynts with 

towns comon. 

William Lakin 

WiLLiM Green James Knap 

29 acres, mor or less, in the pin woods, bounded easterly with 

Cap' Parker, northerly with James blod and ptly with the comon, 

westerly with comon land, southerly with the land of Samuel! 

Ceaver, and other land 

William Lakin 

James Knap 
[In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1 670-1 676, 16S0, 1681.] 

THE LANDS OF JOHN BARRON. 

27 acres, mor or lese, bouded north with y'= Indian Hill medow. 
Six acres lye, bound west with Simon Stone, on the other sid the 
riuer, 40 acres medow one acre d half, more \imfinished\ 

[In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1670-76, 1680, 1681.] 



Dabts Due from the Persons folowing 

. 11 d 

James Parker 11 = 10 = 00 

[Josia]h Parker 15 = 00 = 00 

Laken 05 = 00 = 00 

Willard 05 = 00 = 00 

Prescot 05 = 00 - 00 

Peleg Lawranc 05 = 00 - 00 

[Jo]nas Prescot 02-01-00 

[Wijllam Longly 00 11-02 

[In]sin Lawranc 01 = 17 - 06 

[Stejven holding 00 - 06 - 00 

[Joshua Whitjny 00 - 03 00 
[In the handwriting of Josiah Parker, Town Clerk, 1686-1691.] 



APPENDIX. 



The following papers, with one exception, are now printed 
for the first time from the original documents. They are 
closely connected with the early history of the town, and fur- 
nish some interesting facts in regard to it. The first docu- 
ment is found among the Shattuck Manuscripts in the pos- 
session of the New England Historic, Genealogical Society, 
and was originally published in the Register of that Society 
for April, 1879 (xxxiii. 209). All the signatures to the peti- 
tion are in the same handwriting as the body of the docu- 
ment ; but those of the committee signing the Report on the 
back of the petition are autographs. The report itself is in 
the handwriting of Joseph Hills. 



GROTON'S PETITION. 

Best : 16 : 311-1" : 1656 

To the Right wo'" the GoUj'no"' the wo'" Deput Go,''no'' and Mag- 
istrates with the Worthy Deputies of this Hono''^ Court 

The humble Peticon of Certain the intended Inhabitants of 
Groten, 

Humbly Sheweth 

That yo' Peticon" haueing obteined theire Request of a Plan- 
tacon from this honored Court, they haue made Entranc there- 
vppon, and do Resolue by the Gracious Assistants of the Lord to 
proceed in the same (though the greatest Number of Peticon''^ for 
the Grant, haue declyned the work) yet because of the Remoteness 
of the place, & Considering how heavy and slowe it is like to be 
Carried an end and with what Charge and difficultie it willbe 
Attended yo' Peticon'^ humble Requests are 



l88 APPENDIX. 



1 That they be not nominated or included in the Country taxes 
vntill the full end of three years from, these p/nts : (in which time 
they Account theire expenc will be great to the building a house, 
procureing and maintaining of a minester &c. with all other nesses- 
sary Town Charges : they being but few at present left to Carry on 
the whole worke) and at the end of the term, shall be redy by gods 
help to yeald thei' Rates according to thei' Number «S: abillitie & 
what shall be imposed, vppon them 

2 That they may haue libertie to make Choyce of an other then 
M' Danford for the Laying out their town bounds because of his 
desire to be excused by reason of his vrgent ocations otherwise, and 
that they be not strictly tyed to a square forme in theire Line Lay- 
ing out. 

So shall yo'' Peticon''^, be incoridged in this great work, and shall 
as duty bindes pray for yo' happiness and thankfully Rest 

yo"" humble Servants 
Dean Winthrop Richard Smith 
Dolor Davis Robert Blojd 

Will. Martin Jno. Lakin 

Jn°. Tinker Amose Richenson 

The following Answer is on the reverse of the Petition : — 

In Ans. to this Peticoii wee Conceiue it needfull that the town of 
Groton be freed from Rates for three years from the time of their 
Grant as is desired. 

2'' That they may Imploy any other known Artist in the room 
of M"' Danforth as need shall be. 

3^* That the forme of the Town may A little varie from A due 
Square According to the discrecon of the Comilte. 

21. 3'* m°.(56) Daniel Gookin 

Joseph Hills 
John Wiswall 

The Deputyes approue of the returne of the Coinittee in answer 
to this petitio & desire the Consent of o' hone''' magists. hereto. 

William Torrey Gierke 
Consented to by the magists 

Edward Rawson Secret^ 

[Endorsed for filing :] Groten's Peticon | Entrd & x' secured 
P' 8 1 1656 



APPENDIX. 189 



The following paper is taken from a book of records kept 
by the Reverend John Fisk, of Chelmsford, and now in the 
possession of Mr. David Pulsifer, of Boston. The original 
manuscript is written with many abbreviations and nonde- 
script characters, which it is impossible to represent in type. 
The extract now printed gives the proceedings of a Council 
held at Groton in order to consider certain dissensions which 
probably grew out of the settlement of Mr. Willard as the 
minister of the town. The members of the Council were 
Major Simon Willard, of Lancaster, the Reverend Joseph 
Rowlandson, of Lancaster, John Webb, sometimes called John 
Everett, of Chelmsford, and the Reverend John Fisk, of 
Chelmsford. 

II of 12 63 Whereas o'' Brethren of Groton who re- 

moued hence had desired o'' Advise, in r [respect ?] of thos straits 
they were driven vnto, by reaso" of y" difference there. So as they 
coLild not see how to goe on with them there in y" way they 
ppounded about Ch work nor to desert y^ worke without sin 
Counsel to o"' Br at Groto" on this day (y" 3 brethren being with 
us, & joyning in a sollemne day of seeking God, ptely upo" this 
cause) ptely bee. of y^ gnnl sicknes & cold, scarce a family or pso" 
\' had not ben visited, & ptely upo" other occasions, after we had 
concluded the day 

y^ Ch p''sent (fo'' y" giinality) consulted together apte [apart] & 
agreed to this following advise, w"*" they being called in & declared 
it to them, viz 

1. (after so"" manifestations of o'' sympathy & compas. w**" them.) 
That tho y^ Ch would be tender to them as to y'' Judging about y^ 
cause of y^ Remoue fro™ us \ et y' we would so far remembr them 
of y" same as to wish them to examine themselves about it, & to 
looke over the same again betweene God & their owne souls least 
there should be any thing therein, whereby God might be offended 
with them 

2. y' considing at such a time as this, a time of Temptation & a 
time wherein the Advers : would watch for them halting they would 
be exceeding watchful least in word or in action they should lay 
any just scandal or offence before any of them there : for if they 
should, we should not be so able to hold up o' heads consistently 



IQO APPENDIX. 



on their behalues, in case we should never so desire to yeeld them 
o"" Assistance 

3. y' seing o"^ Savio' pnounces them plessed who are peacemakers 
& we are exhorted as much as may be to haue peace with all Men, 
t. [that?] we advise them to endeavo"' to appve themselves men 
seeking peace & endevo'^g to keep peace with them they had there 
to doe with, y' were of a contrary app'^hensio" so much as possibly 
they might with ye Truth & a good Conscience 

4 y' seing Conscience is a Tender thing, & to doe ought esp. in 
& about ye wo'^p of God contrary to o' psuasio", & when not of faith 
is sin : that t. [then ?] They doe take diligent care, not to conde- 
scend to y*" doeng in y*" matter amongst them, in complyance with 
them of a contrary psuasio", to the breaking of the peace of their 
owne Consciences. 

5. y' In case they cannot comply in ought with them (this or 
that, or whatever it is,) as concerne the worke of Gods house or 
wo''p. of God that then they rather doe sit & waite upo" God observ- 
ing & attending such his pvidences as may open to them in the en- 
joym' of their desires, with libty of their consciences. 

this is the substance of that counsell was dd [delivered ?] to 
them, or som other variety of exp''ns, by word of mouth, as gathered 
up to be the mind of the Ch. & the same we had discoursed of & 
agreed to give them for the p'^sent, manifsting o'' willingness to 
afford them further advise afterward, as occasio" did reqre. 

ID of 3. 64 A Counsel being called to attend at Groton 

about the differences there 

There appeared vpo" this day at that place 

' Maj' Willard 
■ M' Rowlinson 
M^ Web 
my selfe 

The Busines coited to it was this : (by the whole Towne : it 
being declared that these were joyntely chosen by the sa'") 

That whereas by reaso" of some uncomfortable differences that 
had ben amongst them as aboute Church Govern men' they had been 
hitherto hindred from goeing on with that worke of X [Christ], of 
coming into a Church way to enjoy all ordinances amongst them 
they Had now resolved to lay downe & to bury all former differences 
amongst them, & (had sent to the psons aboue mentioned, to be 



APPENDIX. 191 



as a counsell to them : to w^'' they) submitted themselues to them 
to be directed, according to the Rules of Gods word, in these fol- 
lowing pticulars. 

1. To consider whither there may be found a competent num- 
ber amongst them, meetely qualified for the laying a foundation of a 
Church there : & In order therevnto to nolate such amongst them, 
as may come vpon Tryal to that end. 

2. To putt them into that way of Tryal w'^'' is according to the 
word, as according to w'^'' they might satisfy thems. one in an other, 
(& consequently in any others afterward as should desire to joyne 
with them.) 

3. To giue them advise from the Rule, for the both carrying on 
of matters in that p'patory worke, w^"* concerns the coming orderly 
into a Church state together, & so the after carrying on Church 
worke according to God. 

The pceedings of the Counsel in order to the accompP''g these 
things, at that meeting was thus, 

I. Together with the 7. w^'' had ben by y" consent of the whole 
towne formerly in noiation amongst thems. & had ben attempting 
to an agreement about Church worke, but hindred, by their disagre- 
mnt. 4, others were added as to stand in Noiation : for Tryall 

so as there were now 11. who now come into Noiation viz. y^ 6 
Brethren amongst them in full fellowship, with mr. Willard & 4 
others of y" towne 

viz M'' Willard. Jam : Parker. Jafn. Fiske. g. Lawrence, G. Salter, 
G. Martin. Jo". Nutting. W" Lakin. Elis Barnes. Rich. Holden. 
Mathias Fanmouth. 

1. When these were pitched upon. These names were sent to the 
whole company of the Towne, being p''sent at a Tra"ying. to be 
ppounded to them, to see if any of these were under any offence 
amongst them, or any of them. 

The Return was in the Neg. 

2. These 11. being called before the Counsel, p''sented themselues 
& being Minded of the greatenes of yf worke, they were now to at- 
tend aboute, & som other things as referring to their owne spitual 
comfort and peace, & the bono" of X [Christ] & of y^ Gosp. were 
desired to goe apte, & consider amongst themselues if they could 
agree aboute a way of their satisfying themselues each in other, as 
to the goeing on together in that worke & in case of agreem' tp 



192 APPENDIX. 



come to vs, & make report of it, & of the way they had agreed 
upon. 

in case otherwise, to let the counsel vnderstand wherein they 
dissagreed, & the grounds. 

3. Vpon there Returne, they declared they had not agreed, nor 
were like to agree. 

upon wch, much agitation passed that Euening & with som ad- 
vise, they were left to some further consideration of the matter 
betweene themselues, and to attend ag" together before the Coun- 
sel, next morning. 

2 Ch. Vpon II. of 3. 64. In the Morning they came before the 
counsel ag. & made the same report as before. 

After much debate, and advise ag. Giuen vnto them, they being 
sent out ag. together. Returned to us There agreem' in these follow- 
ing pticulars. 

1. That there be a visible pfession made (by each one vnto y* 
rest,) of his knowledge in all the fundanVal principles of the Chris- 
tian Religion nay [necessary ?] to salvation. 

2. That each be of an apprued conversation. 

3 That Conviction of sin be visible pfessed together with the 
meanes, and also thro God hath holp the soule vnto a Christ. 

4 That all this be heild forth either before the whole Church (by 
who eu"" shall after joyne to the church when once it be gathered) 
or else before the officer, & those y* the Church shall depute to- 
gether with y*" officer. 

5. That none shalbe p'ssed to give this manner of satisfaction be- 
fore the whole Congregation or Towne who is not hims. willing 
therevnto, but y' the satisfaction be taken onely before the Church. 

These things being thus comfortably agreed vpon, & 
The Counsell being by them desired either to take Tryal of them, 
or to affijrd there p''sence with them, in there Tryall each of other. 

The Counsell upon consideration y' some of them could not stay 
so long upon it, at p'sent, & y' the worke was of Create weight, & 
required deliberation &c. Advised, as follovveth, in effect. 

I. That these 11 doe set apte a sollemne day to humble them- 
selues before God, for there former miscarriages, & to entreat his 
p'sence with them in the greate worke they were aboute. 



APPENDIX. 193 



2. That they together agree aboiite the order of pceeding who to 
come vpo" Tryal by the rest, i": & who 2'' & so on, to the last 
man. 

3. That they attend the way, thems : had agreed vpon with each 
one, without ptiality. 

4. That upon the day, they agree upon to that worke, they (after 
seeking of God,) doe goe abt it in the manner as afore s'' & if they 
thinke good to send to vs, & the Counsell would then attend them 
(if God will) at the time, & after y' is finished (as ye L : may helpe 
vs) give them som further advise as occasion may req. [require ?] 

5. y' each one submit hims. to y^ satisfaction of y*" rest & be will- 
ing to sit by if y^ rest be not satisfied with him. 

6. y^ in meane time they acquainte themselves familiarly each 
with other, to see how God may psuade them spits to a mutual 
closure. 



The following petition and depositions are found among 
the Shattuck Manuscripts of the New England Historic, Gene- 
alogical Society. 

To the Right -Hondble the Gov'' and Councell sitting in Boston 

The Petition of Daniell Addams Humbly sheweth that yo"" Peti- 
tione'' went out as a voluntear : upon the scout from Concord in 
company with some of Concord and some of Lancaster : and they 
comeing to Grauton yo"" petitione"' there killed an Indian : and hath 
rec'd no wages from the Country for any service that he hath done : 
notwithstanding he hath beene oute upon the same acco' severall 
times both the Last suiher and the Last winter and is now goeing 
out againe under the Command of Leift Curtis : 

Yo"^ Petitione"" therefore humbly requests the favo"" of your Hono'^s 
to consider the premises and to grant him an order to the Treasuro"" 
for his satisfaction according as the Law allows in that case — so 
shall he be ever engaged to pray &c Daniell 'Addams 

[Endorsed] " The Petition of Daniell Addams 21 Aprill 1676 " 

Att Groton the T4th of march 1676 thire was Daniell Adams whoe 
was uary helpefull to the towne of groton with somo thers of Lankstar 
and the said Daniell adams did kill one Lidan att APWillards garason 

Witness John Cadye 
And Samuel Woods 



194 APPENDIX. 



we whoe see him fall to the graund and not Rise againe 

As witness Nickcolass Cadye 

Samuell Woodes of Grotten aged aboute forty yers of age witnis 
that he saw tooe indens standing upon Captine parkers Land at 
grotten anddanill adams shote at tham and one of tham falle doune 
and the other ran away 

17 : day of 2 : month : 1676 : the mark V of Samuel Woodes 

Alse Woods aged about forty yeares testifieth & saith ; that at 
Grooton upon the day that the moste of the towne was burnt by the 
Indians ; she heard several! say that Daniel! Adams had killed an 
Indian ; and she went vp presently into M"" Willards Garritt & saw 
two Indians stand over a dead Indian about halfe an liour then 
they carried him away & further saith not 

The mark O of Alse Woods 



The following instrument is recorded in the Middlesex 
Registry of Deeds at East Cambridge (lx. 27), and appears 
to have been prompted by the action of the town, taken De- 
cember 25, 1683, — as given on page 82 of this book. It was 
certainly to the credit of the early settlers that they recog- 
nized the right of the Indians to their native land, and were 
willing to extinguish it by purchase. This action on their 
part did not make their title to the land any clearer in a 
court of law, but it established a principle. During this 
time the impending fate of the Charter of Massachusetts 
was feared, if not known, and the colonists thought that their 
landed possessions might be forfeited to the Crown ; and this 
course, of buying the land from the Indians, might give them 
a title rivalling that of the King. 

By referring to the proceedings at a town meeting held 
June 8, 1702, as given on page 123 of this book, it will be 
seen that other persons besides the committee, acting doubt- 
less on their own responsibility, had acquired nominal rights 
from the Indians. 

Co all pfople to whom these p"'sents shall come greeting know yee 
Indians to ^'^' i^hu Tom Dublit & his wife & their Eldest son little 
Grotton j^,^^^ ^^^^ ^jj^^ Gasumbitt, W Jacob alias Patatuck all 



APPENDIX. 195 



of Weymessit & Thomas Waban of Natick all of them Indians & 
Inhabitants as afores'' and within the Massachusetts Colony in New 
England for and in consideration of the full & just sum of r 
twenty and eight pound ten shill. to me well and truly payd '^°'' ^^ ~ '° 
& security given to them according to law by Corporall John Page, Ens : 
Nathaniel Lawrence & John Parresh all of the Towne of Grotton. W""* 
is to the full satisfaccon & content of the afores** Indians and thereof 
and of every part thereof do acquitt, release and discharge y" s'' John 
Page & Nathaniel Lawrence «& John Parresh & their heyrs& Admin- 
istrators for ever by these p'^sents. I)al)C granted, bargained & sold, 
aliened enfeoffed & confirmed, & by these p''sents do fully, 
freely clearly and absolutely grant, bargaine & sell, alien, 
enfeofe & confirme to the now Inhabitants of the Towne of Grot- 
ton afores"^ and to their heyrs & Associates forever All all that Pian- 
& every part of that Tract of land which is called Grot- Groton 
ton plantation according to the full Extent of the bounds thereof, on 
both sides of Nashaway River, as it is granted to them by the 
hon"" Gen" Court of the Massachusetts Colony Co 

. rii'iiii habendum 

palje anlJ to oolo the abovs'' Iract of land with all the 
priviledges & appurtenances to the same apperteyning or in any 
wise belonging to them the s'^ Inhabitants of the Town of Grotton & 
to their heyrs & Associates forever & to their & their only propper 
use and behoofe And they the s** M"" John Tom Dublitt & his 
wife and their son the Eldest of them, little James ffox & Jacob 
Pataatuck & Thomas Waaban for themselvs, their heyrs & Adminis- 
trators do covenant, promise & grant to and with the afores'^ John 
Page, Nathaniel Lawrence & John Parresh (as Trustees for & in be- 
halfe of the whole Inhabitants of the afores'^ Towne of Grotton) & 
with their heyrs & Assigns forever, that they the s'' M' John Tom 
Dublitt & his wife & their Eldest son & little James ffox, alias 
Gasumbitt & Jacob Patatuck & Thomas Waaban & each of them 
are the true and propper heyrs of the aboues'^ Tract of land as to nil 
manner of Indian Title, that either is or may conceived to be. 
And that they have good right, full powr & lawful! Authority the 
p'mises to grant, bargaine & confirme to them the s"* Inhabitants of 
Grotton & to their heyrs. Associates & Assigns forever. And that 
they the s** Inhabitants of the Town of Grotton their heyrs Associ- 
ates & Assigns forever shall and may at all times & from time to 
time forever hereafter quietly and peaceably have, hold, occupy, 
possess & enjoy the s"* whole Tract of land or plantation with all 



196 APPENDIX. 



the priviledges, profitts & commodityes of the same without the law- 
full lett, hindrance, Eviction expulsion, sute, molestation or denyall 
of them the s'* M"" John Tom Dublitt & his wife & their Eldest son 
little James fifox, Jacob alias Patatuck & Thomas Waaban their 
heyrs or Executors, Administrators or Assigns of them or of either 
of them or of any other person or persons whatsoever whither In- 
dian or English claiming or having any right, title or Interest 
therein or thereunto by from or under them or either of them (as to 
Indian Title of land) or by any other lavvfuU ways or means what- 
soever. 

In witness whereof, the s"^ M"' John Indian & Tom Dublitt and 

his wife & their Eldest son little James ffox, Jacob alias Patatuck 

& Thomas Waaban have affixed their hands & seals 

loth Janur 16S3 , , . 1 1 r t x i r 

here-unto this tenth day of Januar)', In the year ot out 
Lord God one thousand six hundred eighty & three, four, and in the 
thirty and five year of y^ reigne of our sovereigne Lord King 
Charls the second 

Read, 

signd, 

sealed 

& deliverd 

in y" presence of us 
Tho : HiNCHMAN his mark & seale -|- M"^ John and seale 

John ffiske Tom Dublitt his mark and seale 

JONATH. Danforth Sen' his E wife her mark & seale 
James Brown little ^ James his mark & seale 

James Rumbly Marsh Jacob 8 Patatuck his mark & seale 
Cap^ C Tom Thomas Waban & seale 

his marke Tom S Dublitts son & seale 

mark 

Pompequoout, alias M' John, Thomas Neepamimp alias Dublitt 
& Sarah his wife. Pasumbitt, alias little James fox & Petatook alias 
Jacob Indians of Weymeset & Thomas Waban Indian of Natick, 
acknowledged the within written Instrument to be their Act & 
Deed 



Jan. II. i68^ 



Before Pet : Bulkeley Assist 



Recorded. 17. 3. 1684 

by Tho : Danforth. R. 



APPENDIX. 197 



The remaining documents in this Appendix are found 
among the Shattuck Manuscripts. 

Groton, July : 16. 1689 

To the honred Gouner and councell and Representiues : thes 
Lins shew the Request of your humbell sarunts the in habtants of 
the towne of groton and ouer presant unsetled and almost des- 
tracted conditon ; we mack bold to troubell you once more ; crauing 
youer aduice and asistanc if it may be obtained that we may go on 
with ouer bisnes ; to gat in our haruest and do other nessary worke : 
the barer heare of James Knop and James Parker Jun"' are fuly abell 
to aquaint the honred councell ouer conditon boath in miletary & 
other cases ; in the towne ; ouer ofesers are by the new choice 

James Parker sener cap' 
Jonas Prescot Lef 
John Lacken ensin. 
W order of the towne of groton 
JosiAH Parker, c/arA 

July. 17. 1689. The Coiiiission ofhc''s nominated as above are 
allowed & confirmed by y^ Gov' & Counsell. and they do order 
Cap* Prout to deliver unto James Knop and James Parker for y^ 
use of s"^ Town forty pounds of powder and one hundred weight of 
Lead taking their bill to repay it again into ye stoar in some Con- 
venient time. & do also appoynt y'' Major of ye Lowf Regim' of 
y' Comd to order y'^ Impressing of ten soldiers in a meet proportio 
out of ye seu''all companyes under his coiuand. to be sent as soone 
as may be for their releife. 

By order of ye Gov'' & Councill 

Is'*- Addington, Setry, 

[Endorsed] Groton military Officers. 

Past. 17° July. 89. 



To his Excellcticy S'' William Phips Knight Cap" Generall and Gov- 
ernour in chiefe of their Maf" Province of the Massachusetts Bay 
in New England, and Hon""^ Council and Representatives thereof 
notv assembled in Generall Court sitting att Boston ffebruary 23'' 
169? 
The petition of John Paige of Groton for himself and in behalf of 

his son John Paige who was a souldier under the command of 



198 APPENDIX. 



// 



Major Wade in the Late Expedition to Canada against y^ comon 
enemy 

Humbly Sheweth That yo' Petitions son the s*^ John Paige att 
Canada received a Previous wound in his left arme, of which after 
his returne home he lay lame und"" the Chyrurgeons hand for the 
Space of Twelve months and upwards, before he gatt cure, and 
ater he gatt cure was a twelve month more befare he could doo or 
performe any reasonable bodily Labour to procure himself a Lively 
hood. 

That yo'' petition''^ sons cure came to Seaven pounds w''*' yo'' Peti- 
tio"" undertooke the payment of to the Chyrurgeon, and of wh'^'' he 
hath only rec'' from the country thirty shillings, w^'' was soe much 
allowd and ordered by the Comittee formerly appointed to Inspect 
y* affaires of Canada wounded men, his Son being att that time 
under cure, but not cured till a very Considerable time aff and 
soe had said thirty shillings allowed him for payment of y" Chyrur- 
geon for what he had done to that time. 

Now Forasmuch as yo"' Petitio"' hath formerly made Applycation 
to yo'' Ex'^ and. this hon"''' Court referring to y^ premisses Butt 
nothing hither haveing therein been done, yett hopes you will not 
deale by his son worse than by others of y" wounded men. 

Yo'' Petitio'' Therefore for himself and in behalf of his said son 
humbly Entreats yo'' Exc'^ and this hon'''^ Court to take y" premisses 
into consideracon. and that you will please to allow and order unto 
yo'' petition'' the remainder of s"^ moneys for the cure of his son, as 
also that you will please to allow unto his son Such compensation 
for the loss of his time and for payment of his Dyatt during the 
continuance of his afores"" lameness, as to yo'' wisdoms shall seeme 
most meet & requisite. 

And yo' Petition"' as i^t, 

du"^ bound Shall ever pray 

John Paige 

This may certifie that John Paige Sone of the petition'' was under 
the hands of me Jonathan Prescott Chyrurgeon above a twelve 
months time, and that his cure pformed by me came to seaven 
pounds Jonathan Prescott 

voted that John Page Jun' son of the Petition' shall for the payment 
of the Chirurgion and Dyet Dureng the time of his Cure Receive 



APPENDIX. 199 



out of the publicque treasury of this province Twelve pounds de- 
ducting out of s"* suiiie what he has all ready Reced : passed in the 
Affirmative by the House Re. Nath : Byfield Speaker 

[Endorsed] John Paige of Groton his petition 

1693 27 febr Vof' in Council £. 12. to be p'' deducting &c. 



To the honourable his Majesties yustices of the Court of General Ses- 
sions of the Peace To be holden at Charlestoivn within and for y 
County of Middlesex on the Second Tuseday of March 17 17/18 

Whereas we the Subscribers Selectmen of Groton have been In- 
formed that y^ Town of Groton hath been Presented by y": Grand 
Jury for want of a School Master which was to have been ans- 
wered y^ Last Court but the Presentment afores'' being vari- 
ously Construed it was at Length ordered that y*; Selectmen of 
Groton should be apprized thereof & Certify this Court how many 
families there is in our Town Now these are to Certify & Informe 
Your honours that there is not one hundred families which are 
Ratable or able To Contribute anything to y^ Publick & we pre- 
sume the Grand Jury Niver Intended a Grammer Schoole by said 
Presentment. And Ever Since Said Court in December Last we 
have been Provided with a Schoole Master To Teach Children To 
read & Wright as the Law in this Case provides & Directs. Which 
Premises being Considered we hope Groton Will be Discharged 
from said Presentment. We have also appointed M"^ John Ames 
to present this to your honours To whom you may Give Credit 
from yo^ honours Humble Serv'? 

Simon Stone ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ 

John Sheple )- ^^^^^^_ 

Jonathan Boiden ) 
Richard Warner 
Joseph Lakin 



200 



APPENDIX. 




FIRST PARISH MEETINGHOUSE, GROTON. 



^ I ^HIS cut was taken from a drawing made in the year 1838, by 
John W. Barber, and originally appeared in his Historical 
Collections of Massachusetts. It represents the First Parish 
Meetinghouse before it was remodelled in the year 1839, at 
which time it was partially turned round, and the north end 
made the front, facing the west. The Academy building, on the 
right of the meetinghouse, was enlarged in the autumn of 1846, 
and subsequently burned July 4, 186S. The fence was built 
around the Common in front of the meetinghouse, in the au- 
tumn of 1842, the last post being placed at the north-west cor- 
ner on October 3 of that year. T^he trees within the enclosure 
were set out about the same time, excepting the row of elms on 
Main Street, which were transplanted in the year 1828. 

The original sketch of this view and the engraving are now 
in the possession of Bradford Kingman, Esq., of Brookline, Mas- 
sachusetts, to whom I am indebted for the use of the cut. 



INDEX. 



Pagb 

NAMES OF THE ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS - . . 55, 56 

NAMES OF THE EARLY SETTLERS 70 

NAMES OF THE TOWN CLERKS 132 

APPENDIX 187 



NOTICES OF TOWN CLERKS. 



James Blanchard 
Richard Blood . 
James Fiske . , 
Joseph Lakin . . 
Samuel Lawrence 
William Loxgley 
William Longley, Jr 



Page 

114, 1 15, ir6 

. 24 



12 

. 128 

5 

15, 96 

106, 113 



Jonathan Morse . 
John Page . . . 
James Parker . . 
Josiah Parker 
Jonas Prescott 
Richard Sawtell 
Thomas Tarbell . 



Page 

• • 71 

. . 24 

• 54, 55 
• 93 

103, 115 
. . 6 
124, 125 



John Morse 27, 57 



NAMES OF PERSONS HOLDING LAND-GRANTS. 



Timothy Allen . . 
Ellis Barron . . .. 
John Barron . . . 
Nicholas Cady . . 
Cornelius Church . 
Samuel Church . . 
John Colles . . . 
Jonathan Crisp . . 
William Elluee . . 
John Farnsworth 
Matthias Farnsworth 
James Fiske . . . 
Christopher Hall . 
Gershoiv^^ Hobart 
Justinian Holden . 
Nicholas Hutchins 
James Knapp . . . 
Joseph Lawrence 
Peleg Lawrence 
William Martin . , 



Page 
165 

i8s 
168 
182 

183 
183 
152 
169 
182 
178 
161 
144 
179 
173 
183 
164 
172 
183 
'75 





Page 


Daniel Metup .... 


. 146 


John Morse .... 


172 


Jonathan Morse . . . 


170 


Joseph Morse .... 


177 


Jacob Onge .... 


178 


John Page 


148 


Abraham Parker . . 


171 


James Parker . . . . 


153 


Joseph Parker . . . 


146 


Daniel Pearse . . . 


167 


Ralph Reed .... 


159 


James Roberts . . . 


160 


Alexander Rouse . . 


184 


Zachary Sawtell . . 


171 


Walter Skinner . . 


143 


Simon Stone .... 


■74 


Thomas Tarbell . . 


150 


Thomas Tarbell, Jr. . 


176 


Samuel Willard . . 


180 


Samuel Woods . . 16 


7, 185 



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